title: The plight of chronic self-mutilators.
abstract: Self-mutilation is a more common behavior than generally realized; its prevalence may be 750 per 100,000. From the responses of 250 subjects to a Self-Harm Behavior Survey we have learned that self-mutilation typically begins in early adolescence and may assume a chronic course characterized by severe psychosocial morbidity. Some chronic self-mutilators already are heavy and generally dissatisfied users of mental health services. The number of them seeking help may increase as a result of heightened public awareness. Community mental health facilities may be hard-pressed to meet the needs and demands of these clinically vexing patients.
authors: Department of Psychiatry, University of Missouri-Columbia 65201.
authors: A R
authors: AR
authors: Favazza
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Conterio
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D010556:Personality Tests; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000523:psychology*