Overview
Intentional self-inflicted injury to one’s body without suicidal intent, typically used as a maladaptive coping strategy to manage overwhelming emotional distress.
Diagnostic criteria overview
- Criterion A: Recurrent engagement in behaviours that result in deliberate self-inflicted injury to the body Criterion B: Behaviour occurs in response to intense emotional distress or difficulty managing internal experiences Criterion C: Behaviour results in clinically significant distress or impairment in social, academic, or family functioning
Symptoms
- Cutting, scratching, or burning the skin
- Hitting oneself or deliberately causing injury
- Concealing injuries or wearing clothing to hide wounds
- Reporting relief or emotional release after self-harm
Impact on functioning
- Increased safeguarding and supervision requirements
- Disruption to school attendance or participation
- Strain on family relationships and increased parental anxiety
- Difficulties managing distress in peer or academic environments
- Increased risk of escalation to more severe self-injurious behaviour