Recurrent self-mutilation

Dear and dear is their poisoned note The little snakes, of silver throat In mossy skulls that nest and lie Ever singing “die oh! die.” Thomas Lovell Beddoes

Summary

Self-mutilation is encountered more frequently than is generally realized. To the psychiatrist it often presents a kind of paradox in the spectrum of human behavior. This paper centers around a dramatic example of repeated self-mutilation. The underlying mood of the woman described is highlighted by a series of her own artistic expressions.

A number of contemporary theories regarding self-mutilation are reviewed briefly, and an interpersonal theory is formulated which the writers feel may be helpful in understanding some episodes of violence done to the self.