title: Diagnostic issues in self-mutilation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Pathological self-mutilation--the deliberate alteration or destruction of body tissue without conscious suicidal intent--was examined both as a symptom of mental disorders and as a distinct syndrome.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data from more than 250 articles and books were reviewed, as well as data obtained by the authors from their extensive clinical experience in treating self-mutilating patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The diverse behaviors that constitute pathological self-mutilation can be categorized into three basic types: major--infrequent acts that result in significant tissue damage, usually associated with psychoses and acute intoxications; stereotypic--fixed, rhythmic behavior seemingly devoid of symbolism, commonly associated with mental retardation; and superficial or moderate--behavior such as skin cutting, burning, and scratching associated with a variety of mental disorders. The authors propose that a syndrome of repetitive superficial or moderate self-mutilation should be regarded as an axis I impulse disorder. In most cases, the syndrome coexists with character pathology.
authors.affiliation: University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine.
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Favazza
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Rosenthal
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology