Risk factors for self-injury

This blog is a continuation from yesterday’s blog on self-injury. There are a variety of risk factors that can lead to self-injury.

Biological:

• female

• adolescents

• peripheral serotonin

• neurological abnormalities

• low concentrations of 5-HIAA found in the cerebrospinal fluid

• physical illness

Psychological:

• poor problem solving skills

• poor emotion regulation

• low self-esteem

• lacking impulse control

• high levels of aggression

• depression

• suffer chronic anxiety

• tendency towards irritability

Associated Mental Disorders:

• Borderline Personality Disorder

• Mood Disorders

• Eating Disorders

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

• Dissociative disorders

• Anxiety or Panic Disorders

• Impulse Control Disorder NOS

Social:

• child sexual abuse

• child physical abuse

• emotional abuse

• parental substance abuse

• family discord: divorce or separation

• emotional neglect

• insecure attachment

• prolonged separation from caregivers

• low socioeconomic status

• peer influence

Resources:

S.A.F.E. Alternatives

Self Mutilators Anonymous

Focus Adolescent Services

Healing Self Injury

American Self-Harm Information Clearinghouse

Self Injury Support

Self Injury Info and Resources

Christian Self-injury resources

Books:

The Scarred Soul: Understanding & Ending Self-Inflicted Violence

Bodily Harm: The Breakthrough Healing Program For Self-Injurers

Treating Self-Injury: A Practical Guide