Self-Mutilating Adolescents

While most forms of self-mutilation, including self-cutting are repetitive behaviors which can occur among adolescents as many as 100 times, it is generally argued that self-mutilation tends to be unaccompanied by suicidal ideation or suicide attempts (Colville, & Mok, 2003). Yip, et al (2003) pointed out that people who engage in self-cutting are the predominant group among those who self-mutilate, with a peak incidence from the ages of 16 to 25 years. The usual method is to cut lightly and superficially without harming the arteries.

Numerous studies in the literature have examined aspects of self-mutilating be

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ess, psychiatric inpatients, and youths housed in residential schools or group homes. In the current century, self-mutilators do not fit the mold of trauma victims who are alienated from their own bodies. In perfectionist adolescents, mutilation may express self-loathing and rage at perceived failure and provide a powerful communication mechanism to attract the attention of unresponsive people. Therapies for self-mutilating individuals include dialectical behavior therapy which Yasgur (2001) identifies as helping patients to change dysfunctional attitudes. Patients often see emotional disregulation as a problem for which self-mutilation is the source. Interventions including psychoeducation, pharmacotherapy, and concrete skills training, along with dialectical behavior therapy help patients develop new responses to the emotions that previously triggered self-mutilating behavior. Other therapies found to be effective include cognitive-behavioral interventions, behavioral interventions, and pharmacologic interventions. Mace, Blum, Sierp, and Mauk (2001) examined the relative efficacy of behavioral treatments and pharmacotherapy using haloperidol. Fifteen subjects were enrolled in the study and were randomized to receive
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1855
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page)

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