Types of Self-Injurious Behavior (SIB)
Superficial, Stereotypic and Major Self-Mutilation
Oct 8, 2009
Self-injurious behavior (SIB) is divided into three broad categories of self-harm: major self-mutilation, stereotypic self-mutilation and superficial / moderate self-mutilation. Of the three types of self-harm, superficial self-mutilation is the most common, while major self-mutilation is the most serious.
Superficial / Moderate Self-Mutilation
Moderate self-mutilation, or superficial self-mutilation, is the most common form of self-injurious behavior. The self-mutilator cuts, burns or otherwise harms themselves as way to deal with negative emotions or to feel something when emotionally numb.
Superficial self-mutilation is broken down into three subtypes:
- Compulsive Self-Injury: the self-injurious act occurs at an unconscious level. The self-mutilator isn’t really paying attention to the self-injurious behavior or aware of the act. Skin-picking and hair puling are examples of compulsive self-mutilation.
- Episodic Self-Injury: people who engage in episodic self-mutilation cut, burn, or otherwise harm themselves when emotions become too overpowering (or, as noted above, to feel something when emotionally numb). Cutting self-injury is a common form of episodic self-mutilation.
- Repetitive Self-Injury: Repetitive self-mutilation is similar to episodic self-mutilation, only the self-mutilator defines herself (or himself) by the self-injurious behavior. Self-injury is considered a larger part of the self-mutilator’s life, and may be accompanied by ritualistic or ceremonial acts.
All forms of superficial self-mutilation have the similar goals: to either calm overwhelming emotion, “take control” of emotional pain, or feel something in the face of a lack of emotions. Any relief felt by self-mutilation is, however, temporary.
Major Self-Mutilation
Major self-mutilation is the least common self-injury disorder, and also the most severe. Damage caused by major self-mutilation can include limb amputation, castration, gouging out the eyes and even facial skinning. Such severe cases of self-harm are usually associated with mental disorders including severe bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Mental retardation, drug abuse and alcoholism are also factors in some cases of major self-mutilation.
When major self-mutilation involves castration, sexual identification can be a factor. Some patients admit to castrating themselves due to fears of homosexuality, and male transsexuals sometimes castrate themselves (this should not be confused with undergoing a sex change operation, which occurs in a medical setting. Self-castration can result in severe blood loss, shock and death).
Stereotypic Self-Mutilation
Stereotypic self-mutilation is often seen with cases of severe mental retardation. The affected individual engage in acts of self-harm that are rhythmic in nature, including eyeball pressing, hair-pulling, biting, and hitting. People with autism, Tourette’s syndorme and schizophrenia may engage in stereotypic self-mutilation.
Treating Self-Mutilation
Treating self-mutilation depends on multiple factors, including the type of self-injury and the individual’s mental state. Major self-mutilation is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention to avoid significant trauma, blood loss, or death. Stereotypic self-mutilation treatment is often hindered by underlying mental disorders or mental retardation.
People suffering from moderate self-mutilation can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy or other self-injury treatment. Such individuals include “cutters,” who are often adolescents or young adults. Family and friends of self-mutilators should learn to spot the signs and symptoms of self-injury – although not intended as suicidal acts, superficial self-harm can result in life-threatening injuries.
Resources
Mayo Clinic (Retrieved 30 September, 2009). Self-Injury / Cutting: Treatment and Drugs.
Thompson, C. (retrieved 30 September, 2009). Self-Injury
Timofeyev, A., Shariff, K., Burns, N., Outterson, R. (Retrieved 8 October, 2009). Self-Mutilation.
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.
 |
