Self-injurious behavior: a review of the behavior and biology of self-mutilation

Article Abstract:

A review encompassing the clinical characteristics, behavior and biology of self-injurious behavior is presented. Common forms of self-injury include burning or cutting the skin, banging the head, picking at wounds and chewing fingers. Repetitive, stereotypical self-mutilation is prevalent among institutionalized individuals with varying types of mental retardation. However, self-injury in these patients does not usually begin until they are institutionalized. The most dramatic self-injurious behavior is found among children with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, a genetic disorder characterized by mental retardation and compulsive, unremitting self-injury. Self-mutilation among psychotic patients is more sporadic and can include acts of self-castration, amputation of fingers and limbs, and other types of self-surgery, which usually occur in response to command hallucinations. Patients with borderline personality disorder often have periodic bouts of self-mutilation in response to an upsetting event or loss, and tend to report tension relief after self-injury. Borderlines utilize early (pre-verbal) defense mechanisms such as denial and splitting feelings about themselves and others into an all good or all bad perspective. These defenses are linked to early maternal deprivation and a lack of outside stimulation. Researchers have found that self-injury in obsessive-compulsive patients stops in response to treatment maintaining high serotonin brain concentrations. Most self-injurious behavior occurs in prisons and in institutions for adolescent offenders, the mentally retarded, or adolescent psychiatric patients. Self-injurious behavior seems to have roots in behavioral, psychodynamic and biochemical factors and to be exacerbated by isolation, confinement and interpersonal trauma. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Mentally ill persons, Behavior, Mentally ill, Serotoninergic mechanisms, Self-mutilation, Self mutilation

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CSF GABA in caregiver spouses of Alzheimer patients

Article Abstract:

Studies of Alzheimer's patients have revealed alterations in the brain cells involving several chemical pathways. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an amino acid nerve chemical found in the brain. Research has revealed a decrease in GABA receptor cells and activity without the substantial loss of GABA-containing nerve cells that has been associated with Alzheimer's disease. GABA concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of all the subjects were compared. Fourteen patients who met the criteria for probable Alzheimer's disease were studied, as were nine normal subjects, five of whom were wives of the Alzheimer's patients. The results did not reveal significant differences in GABA levels of the two groups, although the Alzheimer patients had lower levels. The severity of mental dysfunction did not significantly correlate to GABA concentrations either. The wives of the Alzheimer's patients all had a significantly higher mean concentrations of GABA than the other four normal subjects. The authors believe this may be a response to the stress related to the caregiver role. Further study into the relationship between GABA and stress is suggested. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Physiological aspects, Alzheimer's disease, Stress (Psychology), GABA

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Trichotillomania: behavioral symptom or clinical syndrome?

Article Abstract:

A case of Trichotillomania was presented before a panel of psychiatrists who discussed the treatment of chronic hair pulling, its implications and its complications. Trichotillomania is a neurological and psychosocial disorder associated with the obsession to pull one's hair repetitively. It is characterized by the urge to pull and a sense of satisfaction after pulling. The panel discussion on Trichotillomania is presented.

Panel Discussion, Trichotillomania

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