Year: 1988 Source: Family Therapy, v.15, no.1, (1988), p.31-37 SIEC No: 19890006

This paper suggests that families of suicidal adolescents (SADS) & non suicidal self-mutilating adolescents (SMADS) have distinct, identifiable dynamics, each requiring a special treatment intervention. Families of SMADS are seen as enmeshed, symbiotic, internally directed with poor boundaries that do not allow members to make outside alliances. Mutual distance & affecting disengagement was seen between the SADS and parents. Clinical illustrations of each are provided. (KM)