Self-mutilating behaviour of psychiatric inpatients

Author(s): Dautzenberg, M., Merckelbach, H. L. G. J., Jung, P., Wessel, I., Campo, J. A.

Journal/Book: Eur Psychiat. 1999; 14: 23 Rue Linois, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France. Editions Scientifiques Medicales Elsevier. 4-10.

Abstract: In the present study two broad hypotheses about the origins of self-mutilation in psychiatric patients were evaluated. The first hypothesis states that self-mutilation originates from child abuse and experiences of neglect and is connected to dissociation in later life. The second hypothesis views self-mutilation as the consequence of impulse control problems. To test these two hypotheses, data concerning traumatic childhood experiences and dissociative symptoms (hypothesis 1), as well as data concerning aggressiveness, obsessive-compulsiveness and sensation seeking (hypothesis 2) were collected in a sample of 54 psychiatric inpatients. Twenty-four out of 54 patients (44%) reported having engaged in self-mutilation, Mean age of onset of this behaviour was 23 years. Self-report measures of self-mutilators were more in line with the first than with the second hypothesis. That is, patients who engaged in self-mutilation reported more traumatic childhood experiences and dissociative symptoms than did control patients. The two groups did not differ in terms of aggressiveness, obsessive-compulsiveness, and sensation seeking. In line with earlier studies, the current results indicate that self-mutilating behaviour is linked to a history of abuse and neglect.

Note: Article Nijman HLI, Psychiat Hosp Welterhof, POB 4436, NL-6401 CX Heerlen, NETHERLANDS

Keyword(s): self-mutilation; impulsivity; childhood trauma; dissociation; BORDERLINE PERSONALITY-DISORDER; SUICIDAL-BEHAVIOR; DISSOCIATIVE SYMPTOMS; INJURIOUS-BEHAVIOR; SEXUAL ABUSE; VALIDITY

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