Addictive characteristics of the behavior of self-mutilation

Self-mutilation has numerous characteristics that also have been identified in the self-destructive behavior of addiction; these characteristics include similarities in origin, in emotions experienced, in family structure and in the repetitive nature of tension-release responses. Clinicians must deal with the various obstacles when trying to provide care to patients with self-mutilation behaviors, including the lack of information and a preferred treatment and the fact that self-mutilation is an act that occurs in isolation and privacy. The advanced clinician can utilize knowledge of the processes of self-mutilation and addiction to assist unit staff in understanding potential needs of these particular clients and provide resource information to the staff, which may assist in resolving some of the fear and frustration in interacting with self-destructive clients.