Citation

Kerr PL, Muehlenkamp JJ, Turner JM. J. Am. Board Fam. Med. 2010; 23(2): 240-259.

Affiliation

Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Charleston Division.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, American Board of Family Medicine)

DOI

10.3122/jabfm.2010.02.090110

PMID

20207935

Abstract

Self-injury is a dangerous behavior that is different from suicidal behavior but is associated with increased risk of suicide attempts. Some effective psychological treatments for self-injury exist. Physicians in family medicine and primary care settings play a vital role as a first step in the treatment process for those who self-injure. Physicians can enhance the care provided to those who self-injure via the accurate assessment of risk, the understanding of the functions of the behavior, assisting the patient in identifying motivations for treatment and treatment options, and provision of long-term behavioral and risk monitoring. This article summarizes the current scientific knowledge regarding the clinical features, epidemiology, assessment methods, and existing treatments of self-injury. The role of the primary care physician in the treatment of patients who self-injure is specifically outlined.

Language: en