Self-Harm / Wrist-Cutting
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Self harming
Self cutting
Suicide attempts
Pulling my hair out on purpose
Self hitting
Burning myself
Wrist cutting
Piercing the skin with sharp objects
Thoughts of harming self
Nonsuicidal self-injury
About the Symptom
Acts of self-harm describes deliberately harming oneself and can include cutting or burning or pulling out hair.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Self-harm / Wrist-cutting
Possible Causes
Generally, Self-harm / wrist-cutting can be related to:
- Anorexia Nervosa / Bulimia Nervosa
A condition with a heightened fear of gaining weight and focus on controlling body image. Patients try to lose weight excessively through fasting, inducing vomiting, or excessive exercise. Binge eating may also be involved.
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Have you ever intentionally hurt yourself, such as by cutting yourself or pulling your hair?
- How often have you engaged in self-harm behaviors?
- How has your condition involving self-inflicted wounds changed?
- For how long have you been experiencing self-harm behaviors?
Reviewed By:
Weston S. Ferrer, MD (Psychiatry)
Weston Ferrer is a physician leader, psychiatrist, and clinical informaticist based in San Francisco. With nearly a decade of experience in academia and more recent immersion in industry, he has made significant contributions to the fields of digital health, health tech, and healthcare innovation. | As an Associate Professor at UCSF, Weston was involved in teaching, leadership, and clinical practice, focusing on the intersection of technology and mental health. He recently led mental health clinical for Verily (formerly Google Life Sciences), where he applied his expertise to develop innovative solutions for mental healthcare using the tools of AI/ML, digital therapeutics, clinical analytics, and more.. | Weston is known for his unique ability to innovate and support product development while bringing pragmatism to technology entrepreneurship. He is a strong advocate for patient-centered care and is committed to leveraging technology to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities. |
Yu Shirai, MD (Psychiatry)
Dr. Shirai works at the Yotsuya Yui Clinic for mental health treatment for English and Portuguese-speaking patients. He treats a wide range of patients from neurodevelopmental disorders to dementia in children and participates in knowledge sharing through the Diversity Clinic.
Content updated on Feb 6, 2025
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- I'm pulling my hair out on purpose
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User Testimonials for Self-harm / wrist-cutting
Female, 10s
Ubie helped me obtain the right care I needed by its very detailed description of my symptoms and the possible conditions I could have. I was able to understand my symptoms before seeing a professional. The doctor is going to ask you for your symptoms, and I would've had a hard time describing them without Ubie. I had various symptoms such as forgetfulness, suicidal ideation, mania preceding a depressive episode, no motivation, feelings of grief, low self esteem, decreased energy levels, history of self harm, among others. I originally went to my doctor and she referred me to the psychiatrist. Ultimately, Ubie helped me find out what I don't know about myself, and that way I could get the help that I needed.
(Feb 25, 2025)
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FAQs
Q.
What Types of Self Injury Behavior Are There?
A.
Self-injurious behavior encompasses a range of actions that individuals may engage in to cope with emotional distress, express feelings, or exert control over their bodies. The following are the primary types of self-injury behaviors, as discussed in the referenced literature.
References:
Rao KN, Sudarshan CY, Begum S. Self-injurious behavior: A clinical appraisal. Indian J Psychiatry. 2008 Oct;50(4):288-97. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.44754. PMID: 19823617; PMCID: PMC2755147.
St Germain SA, Hooley JM. Direct and indirect forms of non-suicidal self-injury: evidence for a distinction. Psychiatry Res. 2012 May 15;197(1-2):78-84. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2011.12.050. Epub 2012 Mar 9. PMID: 22406394.
Klonsky ED, Victor SE, Saffer BY. Nonsuicidal self-injury: what we know, and what we need to know. Can J Psychiatry. 2014 Nov;59(11):565-8. doi: 10.1177/070674371405901101. PMID: 25565471; PMCID: PMC4244874.
Q.
What Are the Alternatives to Self Harm?
A.
There are many safe ways to deal with strong feelings instead of hurting yourself. A mental health professional can help you develop a personalized plan.
References:
Wenzel A, Jager-Hyman S. Cognitive Therapy for Suicidal Patients: Current Status. Behav Ther (N Y N Y). 2012 Oct;35(7):121-130. PMID: 26388663; PMCID: PMC4574874.
Andover MS, Morris BW. Expanding and clarifying the role of emotion regulation in nonsuicidal self-injury. Can J Psychiatry. 2014 Nov;59(11):569-75. doi: 10.1177/070674371405901102. PMID: 25565472; PMCID: PMC4244875.
Fenton C, Kingsley E. Scoping review: Alternatives to self-harm recommended on mental health self-help websites. Int J Ment Health Nurs. 2023 Feb;32(1):76-94. doi: 10.1111/inm.13067. Epub 2022 Sep 14. PMID: 36104975.
Natividad A, Huxley E, Townsend ML, Grenyer BFS, Pickard JA. What aspects of mindfulness and emotion regulation underpin self-harm in individuals with borderline personality disorder? J Ment Health. 2024 Apr;33(2):141-149. doi: 10.1080/09638237.2023.2182425. Epub 2023 Mar 14. PMID: 36916308.
Q.
Is Skin Picking a Form of Self Harm?
A.
Skin picking can be a form of self-harm when it is done on purpose to relieve emotional pain or stress rather than unintentionally.
References:
Wilhelm S, Keuthen NJ, Deckersbach T, Engelhard IM, Forker AE, Baer L, O'Sullivan RL, Jenike MA. Self-injurious skin picking: clinical characteristics and comorbidity. J Clin Psychiatry. 1999 Jul;60(7):454-9. doi: 10.4088/jcp.v60n0707. PMID: 10453800.
Lochner C, Simeon D, Niehaus DJ, Stein DJ. Trichotillomania and skin-picking: a phenomenological comparison. Depress Anxiety. 2002;15(2):83-6. doi: 10.1002/da.10034. PMID: 11891999.
Grant JE, Collins M. Non-suicidal self-injury in trichotillomania and skin picking disorder. CNS Spectr. 2024 Aug;29(4):268-272. doi: 10.1017/S1092852924000294. Epub 2024 May 17. PMID: 38757168.
Q.
How Can I Get Rid of Self Harm Scars?
A.
| [how to get rid of self harm scars](https://app.ahrefs.com/keywords-explorer/google/us/overview?keyword=how%20to%20get%20rid%20of%20self%20harm%20scars) | I | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| - |Doctors can use treatments like scar revision surgery, ointments, or laser therapy to help reduce the appearance of self-harm scars, but managing feelings of anxiety and depression leading to cutting behavior is of utmost importance.
References:
Brown BC, McKenna SP, Siddhi K, McGrouther DA, Bayat A. The hidden cost of skin scars: quality of life after skin scarring. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2008 Sep;61(9):1049-58. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2008.03.020. Epub 2008 Jul 9. PMID: 18617450.
Todd J, Ud-Din S, Bayat A. Extensive self-harm scarring: successful treatment with simultaneous use of a single layer skin substitute and split-thickness skin graft. Eplasty. 2012;12:e23. Epub 2012 May 21. PMID: 22662281; PMCID: PMC3359068.
Parkhouse N, de Vere Hunt IJ. Self-harm scar revision. BMJ Case Rep. 2018 Mar 21;2018:bcr2017222490. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2017-222490. PMID: 29563126; PMCID: PMC5878410.
Q.
What Are the Common Coping Skills for Self Harm?
A.
People who self-harm can learn different coping skills like deep breathing, journaling, and talking to someone to help manage strong feelings and stop the urge to hurt themselves.
References:
Aspinwall LG, Taylor SE. A stitch in time: self-regulation and proactive coping. Psychol Bull. 1997 May;121(3):417-36. doi: 10.1037/0033-2909.121.3.417. PMID: 9136643.
Guerreiro DF, Cruz D, Frasquilho D, Santos JC, Figueira ML, Sampaio D. Association between deliberate self-harm and coping in adolescents: a critical review of the last 10 years' literature. Arch Suicide Res. 2013;17(2):91-105. doi: 10.1080/13811118.2013.776439. PMID: 23614483.
Bhattacharyya D, Namdeo M, Dwivedi AK. Proactive coping style and intentional self-harm: A cross-sectional study. Ind Psychiatry J. 2018 Jan-Jun;27(1):67-72. doi: 10.4103/ipj.ipj_2_18. PMID: 30416294; PMCID: PMC6198609.
Q.
Is Self Harm Addiction?
A.
While self-harm may feel like an addiction due to strong, recurring urges to self-injure, it differs fundamentally from drug or alcohol addiction. Though both involve cravings and habitual behaviors, the underlying reasons for these behaviors are distinct.
References:
Tantam D, Whittaker J. Personality disorder and self-wounding. Br J Psychiatry. 1992 Oct;161:451-64. doi: 10.1192/bjp.161.4.451. PMID: 1393332.
Victor SE, Glenn CR, Klonsky ED. Is non-suicidal self-injury an "addiction"? A comparison of craving in substance use and non-suicidal self-injury. Psychiatry Res. 2012 May 15;197(1-2):73-7. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2011.12.011. Epub 2012 Mar 6. PMID: 22401975; PMCID: PMC3625678.
Blasco-Fontecilla H, Artieda-Urrutia P, Berenguer-Elias N, Garcia-Vega JM, Fernandez-Rodriguez M, Rodriguez-Lomas C, Gonzalez-Villalobos I, Iruela-Cuadrado L, de Leon J. Are major repeater patients addicted to suicidal behavior? Adicciones. 2014;26(4):321-33. PMID: 25580865.
Blasco-Fontecilla H, Fernández-Fernández R, Colino L, Fajardo L, Perteguer-Barrio R, de Leon J. The Addictive Model of Self-Harming (Non-suicidal and Suicidal) Behavior. Front Psychiatry. 2016 Feb 1;7:8. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2016.00008. PMID: 26869941; PMCID: PMC4734209.
Q.
Do Self Harm Scars Go Away?
A.
Self-harm scars usually do not go away completely, but with time and treatment, they can become less noticeable.
References:
Brown BC, McKenna SP, Siddhi K, McGrouther DA, Bayat A. The hidden cost of skin scars: quality of life after skin scarring. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2008 Sep;61(9):1049-58. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2008.03.020. Epub 2008 Jul 9. PMID: 18617450.
Ho W, Jones CD, Anderson W. Deliberate self-harm scars: Review of the current literature. JPRAS Open. 2018 Apr 9;16:109-116. doi: 10.1016/j.jpra.2018.03.001. PMID: 32158821; PMCID: PMC7061641.
Takaya K, Hayashi R, Aramaki-Hattori N, Okabe K, Sakai S, Asou T, Kishi K. Treatment of Deliberate Self-harm Scars with Rotated Thin-skin Graft and Minced-skin Graft. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020 Aug 19;8(8):e3020. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000003020. PMID: 32983777; PMCID: PMC7489652.
Q.
Is Burning Yourself Self Harm?
A.
| [how to get rid of self harm scars](https://app.ahrefs.com/keywords-explorer/google/us/overview?keyword=how%20to%20get%20rid%20of%20self%20harm%20scars) | I | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| - |Yes, burning yourself can be a form of self-harm if you do it on purpose as a way to cope with overwhelming feelings.
References:
Balakrishnan C, Erella VS, Vashi C, Jackson O, Vandemark S. Self-inflicted specific pattern burns in psychiatric patients. Can J Plast Surg. 2007 Fall;15(3):153-4. doi: 10.1177/229255030701500313. PMID: 19554147; PMCID: PMC2687498.
Ganesamoni S, Kate V, Sadasivan J. Epidemiology of hospitalized burn patients in a tertiary care hospital in South India. Burns. 2010 May;36(3):422-9. doi: 10.1016/j.burns.2009.06.212. Epub 2009 Sep 25. PMID: 19782475.
Henderson A, Wijewardena A, Streimer J, Vandervord J. Self-inflicted burns: a case series. Burns. 2013 Mar;39(2):335-40. doi: 10.1016/j.burns.2012.07.014. Epub 2012 Aug 18. PMID: 22906318.
Joory K, Farroha A, Moiemen N. Is a self-inflicted burn part of a repeated self-harm pattern? Ann Burns Fire Disasters. 2015 Sep 30;28(3):223-7. PMID: 27279811; PMCID: PMC4883609.
Q.
Is Trichotillomania Self Harm?
A.
Trichotillomania is a condition where a person pulls out their hair, and while it sometimes appears as act of self-harm when used to manage strong feelings, it is not always classified strictly as self-harm.
References:
Lochner C, Simeon D, Niehaus DJ, Stein DJ. Trichotillomania and skin-picking: a phenomenological comparison. Depress Anxiety. 2002;15(2):83-6. doi: 10.1002/da.10034. PMID: 11891999.
Grant JE, Collins M. Non-suicidal self-injury in trichotillomania and skin picking disorder. CNS Spectr. 2024 Aug;29(4):268-272. doi: 10.1017/S1092852924000294. Epub 2024 May 17. PMID: 38757168.
Grant JE, Collins M, Chamberlain SR. Borderline personality disorder in Trichotillomania and skin picking disorder: a survey study. BMC Psychol. 2024 Dec 18;12(1):745. doi: 10.1186/s40359-024-02258-8. PMID: 39696661; PMCID: PMC11658322.
Q.
Is Scratching Self Harm?
A.
Yes, if you purposely scratch yourself to cope with strong feelings, it can be considered a form of self-harm. It happens when scratching is used to manage emotional pain rather than as an accidental injury.
References:
Nock MK, Prinstein MJ. A functional approach to the assessment of self-mutilative behavior. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2004 Oct;72(5):885-90. doi: 10.1037/0022-006X.72.5.885. PMID: 15482046.
Klonsky ED, Muehlenkamp JJ. Self-injury: a research review for the practitioner. J Clin Psychol. 2007 Nov;63(11):1045-56. doi: 10.1002/jclp.20412. PMID: 17932985.
Gratz KL, Roemer L. The relationship between emotion dysregulation and deliberate self-harm among female undergraduate students at an urban commuter university. Cogn Behav Ther. 2008;37(1):14-25. doi: 10.1080/16506070701819524. PMID: 18365795.
Q.
What Is the Typical Cycle of Self Harm?
A.
Self-harm often follows a cycle that starts with strong, overwhelming feelings, followed by an urge to hurt oneself, a brief sense of relief after self-harming, and then feelings of shame or guilt that can lead back to more self-harm.
References:
Klonsky ED. The functions of deliberate self-injury: a review of the evidence. Clin Psychol Rev. 2007 Mar;27(2):226-39. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2006.08.002. Epub 2006 Oct 2. PMID: 17014942.
Sheehy K, Noureen A, Khaliq A, Dhingra K, Husain N, Pontin EE, Cawley R, Taylor PJ. An examination of the relationship between shame, guilt and self-harm: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev. 2019 Nov;73:101779. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2019.101779. Epub 2019 Oct 30. PMID: 31707184; PMCID: PMC6891258.
Lei H, Xiong J, Rao Y, Zhu T, Zhang X. Relationships among self-esteem, depression and self-injury in adolescents: a longitudinal study. Front Public Health. 2024 May 15;12:1406283. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1406283. PMID: 38813433; PMCID: PMC11135207.
Q.
Why Does Self Harm Feel Good?
A.
Self-harm may provide temporary relief but leads to serious long-term problems.
References:
Nock MK, Prinstein MJ. A functional approach to the assessment of self-mutilative behavior. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2004 Oct;72(5):885-90. doi: 10.1037/0022-006X.72.5.885. PMID: 15482046.
Miller M, Redley M, Wilkinson PO. A Qualitative Study of Understanding Reasons for Self-Harm in Adolescent Girls. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Mar 24;18(7):3361. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18073361. PMID: 33805082; PMCID: PMC8037877.
Chen Y, Fu W, Ji S, Zhang W, Sun L, Yang T, He K, Zhou Y. Relationship between borderline personality features, emotion regulation, and non-suicidal self-injury in depressed adolescents: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry. 2023 Apr 28;23(1):293. doi: 10.1186/s12888-023-04800-1. PMID: 37118709; PMCID: PMC10148398.
Q.
Is Starving Yourself Self Harm?
A.
When you purposely starve yourself to cope with feelings or to punish yourself, it can be a form of self-harm. This behavior is very harmful to your body and may be part of an eating disorder.
References:
Ross S, Heath NL, Toste JR. Non-suicidal self-injury and eating pathology in high school students. Am J Orthopsychiatry. 2009 Jan;79(1):83-92. doi: 10.1037/a0014826. PMID: 19290728.
Selby EA, Smith AR, Bulik CM, Olmsted MP, Thornton L, McFarlane TL, Berrettini WH, Brandt HA, Crawford S, Fichter MM, Halmi KA, Jacoby GE, Johnson CL, Jones I, Kaplan AS, Mitchell JE, Nutzinger DO, Strober M, Treasure J, Woodside DB, Kaye WH, Joiner TE Jr. Habitual starvation and provocative behaviors: two potential routes to extreme suicidal behavior in anorexia nervosa. Behav Res Ther. 2010 Jul;48(7):634-45. doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2010.03.016. Epub 2010 Mar 24. PMID: 20398895; PMCID: PMC4731222.
Kostro K, Lerman JB, Attia E. The current status of suicide and self-injury in eating disorders: a narrative review. J Eat Disord. 2014 Jul 11;2:19. doi: 10.1186/s40337-014-0019-x. PMID: 26034603; PMCID: PMC4450853.
Q.
Is There Any Relation Between Autism and Self Harm?
A.
Yes, studies have found that people with autism are more likely to hurt themselves compared to those without autism. This self-injury risk can come from several challenges, like communication issues or strong sensory feelings.
References:
Pickett J, Xiu E, Tuchman R, Dawson G, Lajonchere C. Mortality in individuals with autism, with and without epilepsy. J Child Neurol. 2011 Aug;26(8):932-9. doi: 10.1177/0883073811402203. Epub 2011 Apr 6. PMID: 21471551.
Duerden EG, Oatley HK, Mak-Fan KM, McGrath PA, Taylor MJ, Szatmari P, Roberts SW. Risk factors associated with self-injurious behaviors in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. J Autism Dev Disord. 2012 Nov;42(11):2460-70. doi: 10.1007/s10803-012-1497-9. PMID: 22422338.
Kalb LG, Vasa RA, Ballard ED, Woods S, Goldstein M, Wilcox HC. Epidemiology of Injury-Related Emergency Department Visits in the US Among Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord. 2016 Aug;46(8):2756-2763. doi: 10.1007/s10803-016-2820-7. PMID: 27241347; PMCID: PMC4939109.
Blanchard A, Chihuri S, DiGuiseppi CG, Li G. Risk of Self-harm in Children and Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open. 2021 Oct 1;4(10):e2130272. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.30272. PMID: 34665237; PMCID: PMC8527356.
Q.
What Is Non Suicidal Self Harm?
A.
Non-suicidal self-harm is when someone hurts their body on purpose without wanting to end their life. People do it to help manage strong feelings like sadness, anger, or stress.
References:
https://doi.org/10.1037/11875-000
https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/11875-000
Klonsky ED, May AM, Glenn CR. The relationship between nonsuicidal self-injury and attempted suicide: converging evidence from four samples. J Abnorm Psychol. 2013 Feb;122(1):231-237. doi: 10.1037/a0030278. Epub 2012 Oct 15. PMID: 23067259.
Klonsky ED, Victor SE, Saffer BY. Nonsuicidal self-injury: what we know, and what we need to know. Can J Psychiatry. 2014 Nov;59(11):565-8. doi: 10.1177/070674371405901101. PMID: 25565471; PMCID: PMC4244874.
Q.
What Is the Self-Harm on Wrist?
A.
Wrist Cut Syndrome refers to a pattern of self-harm where individuals intentionally cut their wrists. This behavior can be associated with both suicidal and non-suicidal self-injury. Understanding its characteristics and underlying motivations is crucial for effective intervention and support.
References:
Cho J, Choi Y. Patterns of wrist cutting: A retrospective analysis of 115 suicide attempts. Arch Plast Surg. 2020 May;47(3):250-255. doi: 10.5999/aps.2020.00059. Epub 2020 May 15. PMID: 32453934; PMCID: PMC7264911.
Park HY, Kim YC, Park SC, Cho YJ, Sur YJ. Comparison of the demographic and wound characteristics of non-suicidal and suicidal self-wrist cutting injuries. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020 Feb;99(8):e19298. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000019298. PMID: 32080147; PMCID: PMC7034739.
Skegg K. Self-harm. Lancet. 2005 Oct 22-28;366(9495):1471-83. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(05)67600-3. PMID: 16243093.
Cipriano A, Cella S, Cotrufo P. Nonsuicidal Self-injury: A Systematic Review. Front Psychol. 2017 Nov 8;8:1946. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01946. PMID: 29167651; PMCID: PMC5682335.
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