Just wanted to share some information I read about Self-harm. And to put it right up front, I understand that many, many times it is done as a coping mechanism for completely normal teens.
But at times apparently it can be associated with mental health conditions and I found it very interesting.
"Mental illness
Although some people who self-harm do not suffer from any forms of recognised mental illness,[SUP]
[27][/SUP] many people experiencing various forms of mental ill-health do have a higher risk of self-harm. The key areas of illness which exhibit an increased risk include
autism spectrum disorders,[SUP]
[34][/SUP][SUP]
[35][/SUP]
borderline personality disorder,
bipolar disorder,[SUP]
[36][/SUP]
depression,[SUP]
[14][/SUP][SUP]
[37][/SUP]
phobias,[SUP]
[14][/SUP] and
conduct disorders.[SUP]
[38][/SUP] Schizophrenia may also be a contributing factor for self-harm. Those diagnosed with schizophrenia have a high risk of suicide, which is particularly greater in younger patients as they may not have an insight into the serious effects that the illness can have on their lives.[SUP]
[39][/SUP] Substance abuse is also considered a risk factor[SUP]
[10][/SUP] as are some personal characteristics such as poor problem-solving skills and impulsivity.[SUP]
[10][/SUP] There are parallels between self-harm and
Münchausen syndrome, a psychiatric disorder in which individuals
feign illness or trauma.[SUP]
[40][/SUP] There may be a common ground of inner distress culminating in self-directed harm in a Münchausen patient. However, a desire to deceive medical personnel in order to gain treatment and attention is more important in Münchausen's than in self-harm.[SUP]
[40][/SUP]
Psychological factors
Abuse during childhood is accepted as a primary social factor increasing the incidence of self-harm,[SUP]
[41][/SUP] as is
bereavement,[SUP]
[42][/SUP] and troubled parental or partner relationships.[SUP]
[10][/SUP][SUP]
[15][/SUP] Factors such as war, poverty, and unemployment may also contribute.[SUP]
[14][/SUP][SUP]
[43][/SUP][SUP]
[44][/SUP] Self-harm is frequently described as an experience of
depersonalisation or a dissociative state.[SUP]
[45][/SUP] As many as 70% of individuals with
borderline personality disorder engage in self-harm.[SUP]
[46][/SUP] An estimated 30% of individuals with
autism spectrum disorders engage in self-harm at some point, including eye-poking,
skin-picking, hand-biting, and head-banging.[SUP]
[34][/SUP][SUP]
[35]"
From: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-harm
[/SUP]
