Symptoms of Self-Injurious Behavior (SIB)
Arm Cutting, Burning, Skin Picking and Hair Pulling
Sep 30, 2009
Self-injurious behavior, or SIB, can be difficult to detect. A person engaging in self harm is aware that his or her behavior is abnormal. This knowledge is often accompanied by a strong sense of shame about self-mutilation, and the person takes steps to hide evidence of self-harm.
Physical Symptoms of Self-Harm
Physical SIB symptoms vary depending on how self-injurers choose to harm themselves. When cutting or burning are used for self-mutilation, scars and burn marks are most likely on the hands, arms, torso and legs, as these are the areas that are easiest to reach for self-harm. Bear in mind, however, that self-injurers may target other areas of their bodies.
Most cases of self-harm are repetitive, often resulting in multiple scars or bruises. Depending on the type of self-injury symptoms can include:
- bite marks
- broken bones
- bruising and burn marks
- bruising from pinching skin
- frequent scratches or freshly made cuts
- loss of hair due to hair-pulling (trichotillomania)
- multiple scars
- pressing the eyes with fingers or hands
- words or symbols carved or branded onto skin
- wounds or scabs that are constantly reopened.
Signs of poisoning or overdose are possible if the person self-injures by injesting toxic materials. Self-injurious behavior can also include hitting oneself (with fists or objects), head banging and piercing the skin. All these acts can produce physical injuries.
Behavior Associated with Self-Harm
Self-mutilation is a mental illness, and many symptoms of self-harm are emotional or behavioral in nature. The condition, like substance abuse, is addictive and prompts a vicious circle of shame and negative emotions followed by self-harm. The individual can only calm negative emotions through the pain of self-injury, which in turn generates further negative feelings.
People who commit acts of self-harm often have low self-esteem or symptoms of additional mental illness. Their work or school performance may suffer. Many “cutters” and self-mutilators have difficulties with relationships.
Self-injurers may withdraw from family and friends, as it is easier to hide the evidence of self-injurious behavior in isolation. In order to hide the physical effects of self-harm, people who self-injure may wear long sleeved clothing and long pants no matter how warm the climate, and may be very reluctant to wear shorts, T-shirts, or other clothing that exposes their limbs.
When people start to injure themselves, items capable of causing self-injury may appear amongst their possessions. Small knives, sharp scissors, lighters, matches, razors and even hammers may appear. The mere presence of such items does not prove the person is self-injuring, but is very suggestive when seen in combination with other signs of self injurious behavior.
SIB Help and Treatment
Self-injurious behavior is a serious condition that requires professional treatment. Because of SIB’s addictive properties self-help for self-injury usually has only limited usefulness. The causes of self-harm must be identified, as the root cause of SIB often determines the nature of self-injury treatment.
Resources
Cleveland Clinic. (Retrieved 30 September, 2009). Self-injury.
Mayo Clinic. (Retrieved 30 September, 2009). Self-Injury / Cutting: Symptoms.
Disclaimer: The information contained within this article is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute in any way for care and treatment by a qualified health professional
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