Self-harming behavior

In recent years, many populations have seen apparent epidemics of self-harm, sometimes mistaken for suicidal intent. These behaviors include superficial scratches and cuts, burning the skin with cigarettes or curling irons, tattooing with ballpoint pens, and more. In some cases, these behaviors suddenly spread through schools as a fad and then gradually, over time, disappear.

In many cases, this behavior does not indicate suicidal intent, but is instead an attempt by the teenager to gain independence, identify with a peer group, or attract parental attention. Even if self-harm is not an expression of suicidal intent, it should be taken seriously and require intervention. This behavior indicates that the teenager has serious problems, often related to the use of illegal psychoactive substances.

In all cases of self-harm, patients should be assessed by a clinician experienced in working with troubled adolescents to assess whether suicidal behavior is occurring and to identify underlying causes of the self-harming behavior.

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