Self-mutilation Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

The symptoms of self-mutilation vary. The most common symptoms include:

• Cutting of skin with a sharp object (most common)
• Skin carving or burning
• Self-punching or scratching
• Needle sticking
• Head banging
• Eye pressing
• Finger, lips, or arm biting
• Pulling out one's hair
• Picking at one's skin

Rarely, in very severe cases, self-mutilation can include:

• Broken bones
• Amputation
• Castration
• Suicide

Diagnosis

Self-mutilation can be difficult to diagnose. People who self-mutilate often feel guilty and ashamed about their behavior and may try to hide it. A doctor may first see the physical harm caused by self-mutilation. To be diagnosed, symptoms should meet the following criteria:

• Preoccupation with physically harming oneself
• Inability to resist self-injurious behavior resulting in tissue damage
• Increased tension before and a sense of relief after self-injury
• Having no suicidal intent in the self-mutilation

To make an accurate diagnosis, the psychologist or psychiatrist will assess other conditions, like personality or mood disorders, and whether there is suicidal intent.