Forms of Self-Harm Common in People With PTSD

Forms of Self-Harm Common in People With PTSD PTSD Related Conditions Print Forms of Self-Harm Common in People With PTSD By Matthew Tull, PhD twitter Matthew Tull, PhD is a professor of psychology at the University of Toledo, specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder. Learn about our editorial policy Matthew Tull, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on July 04, 2015 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on January 21, 2020 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes & Risk Factors Treatment Living With In Children Getty Images Self-mutilation in people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD self-mutilation), and in general, is deliberate and direct self-harm, such as cutting or burning, with the intent to injure or destroy body tissues.?? Self-mutilation (also called self-harm or self-injury) isnt an attempt at suicide, but it does result in injury severe enough to cause tissue damage. Prevalence of Self-Harming in People With PTSD Self-harm is usually a reaction to a traumatic experience or set of experiences, with sexual abuse being the most common trigger.?? One review study, for example, found that many people who self-harm on a regular basis had experienced child maltreatment, particularly sexual abuse.?? According to the National Center for PTSD at the Department of Veterans Affairs, self-harm is unusual but not extremely so:?? It is estimated that in the general public, 2% to 6% engage in self-harm at some point in their lives. Among students, the rates are higher, ranging from 13% to 35%. Rates of self-harm are also higher among those in treatment for mental health problems. Those in treatment who have a diagnosis of PTSD are more likely to engage in self-harm than those without PTSD. Forms of Self-Harm Common in People With PTSD Reasons for Self-Harming It appears that deliberate self-harm is a way of expressing and managing negative emotions, such as anxiety, sadness, shame, and/or anger.?? Deliberate self-harm may also provide a temporary escape from emotional pain. However, although it may bring a kind of temporary relief from painful emotions, the emotions may return and intensify afterward. People who have PTSD may use deliberate self-harm as a way of coming toâ€"getting back in touch with the present moment (also called grounding). In this form of PTSD self-mutilation, when people with PTSD experience dissociation or flashbacks, they may do self-harm, such as cutting or burning, to shock their bodies back into the present moment and end the dissociation or flashbacks.?? Impulsive Behaviors in PTSD What Does PTSD Self-Harm Look Like? While more severe cases of self-harming may be obvious, many people injure themselves secretly and hide the resulting wounds or scars. As a result, it may not be obvious that someone is self-harming until a major issue arises. Self-mutilation behaviors may include:?? CuttingBurningNeedle-stickingHead-bangingSkin-carvingSevere scratchingPunching oneselfBiting oneself Cutting, skin-carving, severe scratching, head-banging, and punching oneself are some of the most common methods of self-injury.?? Treatment Options for PTSD Treatment for PTSD Self-Harm Deliberate self-harm is a seriously injurious behavior. The injury itself may be serious, requiring medical care, and untreated injuries may become infected. Unless a self-harming person gets treatment to help stop it, the mutilations may get more severe over time. Of course, self-harm is not a cure for any of the unresolved emotions that cause the behavior; as a result, self-mutilation is unlikely to resolve itself.?? The most common treatment for self-harming is psychological therapy. Although self-harm is associated with other issues, therapy is most effective when it focuses specifically on self-mutilation. Once the behavior is managed, it is possible to address the underlying trauma and emotional distress that caused it.?? The 9 Best Online Therapy Programs Resources for People Who Need Help If you are cutting, burning, or otherwise harming yourself, or if you know someone who is, its very important to seek help. The S.A.F.E. Alternatives website provides resources and referrals for people struggling with deliberate self-harm. PTSD: Coping, Support, and Living Well