Self-Destructive Behavior in Patients With Dissociative Disorders

This study assesses self-destructive behavior in a group of inpatients who have dissociative disorders compared to those who report few dissociative symptoms. The authors found that these patients more frequently engage in self-destructive behaviors, use more methods of self-injury, & begin to injure themselves at an earlier age than patients who do not dissociate. Implications of these results for understanding the relationship between dissociation, childhood trauma, & self-injury, & for assessment & treatment, are discussed. (58 refs)