Self-mutilation is a more common behaviour than generally realized; its prevalence may be 750 per 100,000. From the responses of 250 subjects to a Self-Harm Behavior Survey, it was learned that self-mutilation typically begins in early adolescence & may assume a chronic course characterized by severe psychosocial morbidity. Some chronic self-mutilators already are heavy & generally dissatified users of mental health services. The number of chronic self-mutilators seeking help may increase as a result of heightened public awareness. Community mental health facilities may be hard-pressed to meet the needs & demands of these patients. (25 refs.)