TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2011//
TI  - Self-Embedding Behavior: A New Primary Care Challenge
JO  - Pediatrics
A1  - Bennett, Gregory H.
A1  - Shiels, William E.
A1  - Young, Adam S.
A1  - Lofthouse, Nicholas
A1  - Mihalov, Leslie
SP  - e1386
EP  - 91
VL  - 127
IS  - 6
N2  - Objective: The goal of this study was to define self-embedding behavior (SEB), develop a clinical profile of adolescents who engage in SEB, and emphasize the importance of rapid, targeted, and effective identification and intervention. Methods: As part of a retrospective study with a database evaluating 600 patients percutaneously treated for soft-tissue foreign body removal, adolescents were identified with self-embedded soft-tissue foreign bodies. We describe patients' gender, age, and psychiatric diagnoses; SEB age of onset, frequency, and self-reported reasons; and the number, type, location of, and removal technique for objects. Results: Eleven patients (9 females) who engaged in SEB were identified. Ten of the 11 patients were members of a group home or psychiatric facility at the time they engaged in SEB. All patients had previous and multiple psychiatric diagnoses. SEB mean age-of-onset was 16 years, and mean number of SEB episodes per patient was 1.9. The most common self-reported purpose for SEB was suicidal ideation (6 of 8 [75%]) versus nonsuicidal ideation (2 of 8 [25%]), with 3 cases lacking this documentation. The mean number of objects embedded in a single episode was 2.4, usually composed of metal and embedded in the arm. Seventy-six foreign bodies were percutaneously removed (using ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance), including metal, glass, wood, plastic, graphite, and crayon. Conclusions: SEB is an extreme form of self-injury requiring aggressive and timely interdisciplinary assessment and treatment. An understanding of SEB allows medical professionals to pursue rapid, targeted, and effective intervention to interrupt the cycle of self-harm and institute appropriate long-term therapy.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0031-4005
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1542/peds.2010-2877
ID  - ref1
ER  -