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The deliberate self-harm syndrome
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|July 1, 1983
Summary
This study defines the deliberate self-harm syndrome, characterized by late adolescent onset, recurrent episodes, and long-term self-inflicted injuries. Researchers propose classifying this distinct behavior pattern separately in diagnostic manuals.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Self-destructive behaviors are complex and encompass various presentations.
- Recent research highlights the need to differentiate distinct classes of these behaviors.
- Understanding specific syndromes is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical characteristics of the deliberate self-harm syndrome.
- To analyze patterns and features of this specific self-destructive behavior.
- To propose a distinct diagnostic classification for deliberate self-harm.
Main Methods:
- Systematic analysis of 56 published case reports on self-harm.
- Identification of common clinical features and behavioral patterns.
- Comparison of characteristics with other self-destructive behaviors.
Main Results:
- Deliberate self-harm typically begins in late adolescence.
- Characterized by multiple, recurrent episodes over many years.
- Features include low lethality and harm deliberately inflicted upon the body.
Conclusions:
- The deliberate self-harm syndrome exhibits unique clinical characteristics.
- These features differ substantially from other self-destructive behaviors.
- A separate diagnostic syndrome for deliberate self-harm is proposed for DSM-IV.