Self-mutilation in a new mother: a strategy for separating from her infant.
A primiparous mother, aged 25 years, first presented for treatment when her infant was three months of age. A comprehensive case history disclosed that the mother had experienced two prior full-fledged psychotic episodes requiring hospitalization. During treatment, the mother underwent an abortion and burned her face with kitchen chemicals. This case history reveals a pattern of self-mutilating behavior whenever the mother is confronted with events threatening imminent separation or individuation.
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Child and Adolescent Outpatient Department, Cornell University Medical Center, White Plains, NY 10605.
D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007207:Individuation; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D010553:Personality Development; D011247:Pregnancy; D011567:Psychiatric Department, Hospital; D011613:Psychotherapy; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000523:psychology*