Self-injurious Behavior in Teens
Sandra was one of the most popular young girls in her class. She got was always on the high honor roll, was picked as the lead for the school play, and always had an invitation to spend the weekend with a close friend. She was known for her expertise in piano, and she enjoyed playing the guitar with her father. She was smart, pretty, and seemingly had it all. So it was a total surprise when the school principal called her mother and requested to speak with her ASAP.

I couldn't imagine Sandra doing anything destructive or being mean to anyone. In my mind I knew there had to be a positive reason for the conference. I laughed to myself as I witnessed the concern in my friend's face. I knew she would soon be calling me to tell me that her daughter had gotten a scholarship or some other award. So when she called me all upset, I was surprised.

My friend told me that the school staff had discovered that Sandra is the victim of a disease known as self-injurious behavior, also know as cutting. I had never heard of it. It seems she was always wearing rolls of bracelets to cover up the scars on her wrists, and in spite of her trim girlish figure, she always refused to wear shorts. Both were her efforts to cover up the numerous scars on her arms and legs left from cutting herself.

It is estimated that self- injures represent nearly one percent of the population, with a higher proportion of females than males. The typical onset of self- harming acts is at puberty. The behaviors often last for five to ten years but can persist much longer without appropriate treatment.

Self-injurious behavior is defined as deliberate, repetitive, impulsive, non-lethal harming of one's body. Self injury includes: 1) cutting; 2) scratching: 3) picking scabs or interfering with wound healing; 4) burning; 5) punching self or objects; 6) infecting oneself; 7) inserting objects in body openings; 8) bruising or breaking bones; 9) some forms of hair pulling, as well as other various forms of bodily harm. The behaviors, which pose serious risks, may be symptoms of a mental health problem that can be treated.

Incidence and onset. It is estimated that self- injures represent nearly one percent of the population, with a higher proportion of females than males. The typical onset of self- harming acts is at puberty. The behaviors often last for five to ten years but can persist much longer without appropriate treatment.

Background of self-injures: In

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