title: [Tattooing and self-mutilation of the skin in neurotic character disorder].
abstract: Self-tattooing is a form of self-mutilation and may sometimes come close to an 'artefact'. Self-tattooing as an action of autoaggressive self-mutilation or self-destruction is not always necessarily psychotic in nature; it may also be found in patients in whom a depressive personality structure is accompanied by strong masochistic tendencies at a neurotic level. The masochistic excess expresses subconscious guilt and aggression as well as a primitive sense of autonomy. Close collaboration between dermatologist, psychiatrist and psychotherapist is necessary to provide an effective treatment for these patients.
authors.affiliation: Dermatologische Universitätsklinik Ulm.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schunter
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Holzki
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008398:Masochism; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D010553:Personality Development; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000523:psychology*; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries*; D013653:Tattooing
vernacular_title: Tätowierung und Selbstbeschädigung der Haut bei neurotischer Charakterstörung.