Self-Mutilation (IN: The Harvard Medical School Guide to Suicide Assessment and Intervention, edited by D G Jacobs)

This chapter begins by discussing the difference between suicide & self-mutilation. Culturally sanctioned & pathological forms of self-mutilation are described. An extensive discussion classifies self-injurious behavior into the following categories: major self-mutilation, stereotypic self-mutilation, superficial-to-moderate self-mutilation (further divided into compulsive type, episodic type, & repetitive syndrome). Treatment strategies are discussed & clinical implications are addressed.