Abstract
Self-mutilation is a more common behavior than generally realized; its prevalence may be 750 per 100,000. From the responses of 250 subjects to a Self-Harm Behavior Survey we have learned that self-mutilation typically begins in early adolescence and may assume a chronic course characterized by severe psychosocial morbidity. Some chronic self-mutilators already are heavy and generally dissatisfied users of mental health services. The number of them seeking help may increase as a result of heightened public awareness. Community mental health facilities may be hard-pressed to meet the needs and demands of these clinically vexing patients.
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Favazza, A.R., Conterio, K. The plight of chronic self-mutilators. Community Ment Health J 24, 22–30 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00755050
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00755050