Citation

Sommerfeldt B, Skårderud F. Tidsskr. Nor. Laegeforen. 2009; 129(8): 754-758.

Vernacular Title

Hva er selvskading?

Affiliation

Poliklinikk for spiseforstyrrelser, Oslo universitetssykehus, Aker 0320 Oslo. bsommerfeldt@gmail.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Norske Laegeforening)

DOI

10.4045/tidsskr.08.0454

PMID

19373303

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The aim with this article is to provide an introduction to self-harm as a clinical phenomenon, with phenomenological descriptions and definitions, and by presenting risk factors, epidemiological data and functions of self-harm. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The basis for the article is a non-systematic literature search of the electronic databases Medline, PsychInfo and EMBASE (1985 - 2008). and our own archive of literature on self-harm. RESULTS: There is some evidence for an increase in the prevalence of self-harm. Among possible risk factors are childhood abuse, abandonment, neglect, trauma and separation, and the affective quality of the attachment bonds in childhood. A common factor is self-harm as a bodily practice for affect regulation, and as such, it can be understood as a dysfunctional competence. INTERPRETATION: To search for understanding of self-harm in individual, familiar and cultural contexts contributes to meet individuals with such tendencies with empathy and beneficial interventions.

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