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Personality disorder and self-wounding.

D Tantam¹, J Whittaker

¹Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry.

The British Journal of Psychiatry : the Journal of Mental Science

|October 1, 1992

Summary

Self-wounding affects 1 in 600 adults, often linked to abuse history. This behavior, distinct from suicide attempts, serves to manage distress and influence others, potentially requiring addiction-focused treatment.

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Area of Science:

Psychiatry
Psychology
Public Health

Background:

Self-wounding necessitates hospital treatment for approximately 1 in 600 adults.
A notable disparity exists in self-wounding prevalence between genders, with men engaging in the act more frequently than women.
Individuals engaging in self-wounding often report a history of sexual or physical abuse.

Purpose of the Study:

To differentiate self-wounding from other forms of self-harm.
To explore the underlying motivations and consequences of self-wounding behavior.
To propose a conceptualization of self-wounding as an 'addictive' behavior rather than solely a symptom of broader personality disorders.

Main Methods:

The study synthesizes existing clinical observations and research findings on self-wounding.
It analyzes the distinct characteristics and aims of self-wounding compared to other self-harming behaviors.
The research examines the potential etiological links, including histories of abuse.

Main Results:

Self-wounding is characterized by its intent to coerce others and alleviate personal distress, rather than to cause mutilation or death.
Repeated self-wounding, while a criterion for borderline personality disorder, is proposed to be better understood as an addictive behavior.
The management of self-wounding may necessitate integrated treatment approaches, including psychological, pharmacological, and social interventions.

Conclusions:

Self-wounding is a complex behavior with distinct motivations and consequences.
Viewing self-wounding through the lens of addiction may offer more effective treatment pathways.
Support for caregivers is crucial in managing the emotional impact of working with individuals who self-wound.

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