Impulsivity in self-mutilative behavior: Psychometric and biological findings

Author(s): Sass, H., Favazza, A.

Journal/Book: J Psychiatr Res. 1997; 31: The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, England OX5 1GB. Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd. 451-465.

Abstract: This paper examines impulsivity as a central factor in moderate/superficial self-mutilation such as skin-cutting and burning. A sample of 165 subjects were divided into four groups, namely self-mutilators, patients with any modes of impulsive behavior other than self-mutilation, patients without any impulsive behavior, and normal probands. All were administered the 10th version of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory, and the Inventory for the Assessment of Factors of Aggressiveness. They also were interviewed carefully in regards to both impulsive and self-mutilative behavior. A d-fenfluramine challenge test was administered to 36 females and prolactin levels were measured. On the whole results implicate impulsive personality functioning as a major factor in subjects with moderate/superficial self-mutilative behavior whose trait pathology is similar to personality disordered patients with other modes of self-harming impulsive behavior.

Note: Article Herpertz S, Psychiat Clin, Pauwelsstr 30, D-52074 Aachen, GERMANY

Keyword(s): BORDERLINE PERSONALITY-DISORDER; MONOAMINE METABOLITES; INJURIOUS-BEHAVIOR; HEALTHY-VOLUNTEERS; SUICIDAL-BEHAVIOR; D-FENFLURAMINE; AGGRESSION; ACID; CSF

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