@article{ref1,
title="Self-mutilation",
journal="Romanian journal of legal medicine",
year="2005",
author="Vartic, M. and Aniţan, Ş.",
volume="13",
number="1",
pages="65-69",
abstract="Self-mutilation is the act of attempting to alter a mood state by inflicting physical harm serious enough to cause tissue damage to one's body. Still, society accepts some forms of body alteration as normal. It's not self-mutilation if the primary purpose is: body decoration (e.g., body piercing, tattooing) or fitting in or being cool. Self-mutilation also differs from suicide attempt, because it is a way to stay alive. Self-mutilation has been categorized into three observable categories based upon the degree of harm and the pattern of behavior. These are Major, Stereotypic, and Superficial Self-mutilation. Major self-mutilation refers to acts that severely damage a significant amount of body tissue such as eye enucleation, amputation of the limbs, or genitals. Stereotypic self-mutilation involves repetitive acts, the most common form being head-banging. Superficial self-mutilation is the most common type observed. This behavior can manifest itself in three forms: compulsive, episodic and repetitive. Most common behaviors in superficial self-mutilation are: cutting, burning, hair pulling, needle sticking and bone breaking. There are several theories as to why people indulge in self-mutilation. In particular, certain forms of self-injury may prompt the release of a biochemical called beta-endorphin, the body's natural opiate. Beta-endorphin binds to the same receptors in the brain as heroin and morphine. © 2005 Romanian Society of Legal Medicine.<p /><p>Language: romanian</p>",
language="",
issn="1221-8618",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}