Causes
Self-mutilation is a severe impulse control disorder that is often associated with other psychiatric disorders, such as:
- Borderline personality disorder (most common)
- Depression
- Substance abuse ( alcoholism or drug abuse )
- Eating disorders ( anorexia or bulimia )
- Psychosis
- Antisocial personality disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Brain—Psychological Organ
It can also be associated with neurologic or metabolic disorders such as:
- Syringomyelia (a disorder where cysts form on the spinal cord)
- Tourette syndrome (a neurological disorder)
- Autism (a disorder that results in social, behavioral, and language problems)
- Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (a genetic disorder)
Risk Factors
These factors increase your chance of developing this condition. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:
- Childhood sexual, physical, or emotional abuse
- Violence or other abusive relationships in childhood home
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Being in prison
- Sex: female
- Age: adolescence
- Mental retardation
- Autism
- Certain metabolic disorders
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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