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Self-damaging behavior
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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In recent years many imaginary epidemics of self-harm have been noted in many populations, which have sometimes been mistaken for suicidal intentions. This behavior includes surface scratches and cuts, skin burns with cigarettes or curling irons, tattooing with a ballpoint pen, and much more. In some cases, this behavior suddenly spreads around the school as a fashionable hobby and then gradually, by the passage of time, disappears.
In many cases, this behavior does not indicate suicidal intentions, but rather is an attempt by an adolescent to gain independence, identify himself with a group of peers, or in such a way attract the attention of parents. Even if self-harm is not an expression of suicidal intentions, it should be considered seriously and require intervention. This behavior indicates that the adolescent has big problems, often associated with the use of banned psychoactive substances.
In all cases of self-harm, patients should be examined by a physician experienced in working with difficult adolescents to assess whether suicidal behavior occurs and to identify the underlying causes of self-harming behavior.
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