title: Six case studies depicting the deliberate self-harm syndrome.
abstract: This article comprises information on self-mutilation (and specifically on the Deliberate Self-harm Syndrome) which obtained from a study of mainly American and British literature. Included is data obtained from interviews conducted with a sample of South Africans suffering from the syndrome. Etiology was explained from both a psychological and biological perspective. The former highlighted deficiencies in coping and communication skills while the latter highlighted the compulsive and pain-killer role that endorphines play. From case studies and literature it was possible to clearly distinguish the Deliberate Self-harm Syndrome as a distinct disorder-a syndrome consisting of deliberate, repetitive and private acts of self-harm in the form of cutting, burning and banging oneself. This culminates in extreme tension release.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rosen
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Collins
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012649:Self Concept; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000523:psychology*