Self-mutilation cases can range from mild to severe. Typically, mild cases are found in people who pull their hair, scratch themselves until the skin becomes inflamed, hitting oneself, extreme nail biting, or even an in a severe form, the breaking of bones. (Frosti, 1999, What ways to people SI, para. 3) Most individuals who self-mutilate tend to hide their injury or come up with e

In most cases those who begin to self-mutilate themselves to escape the pain in their lives tend to become compulsive in this sort of behavior because they do not know any other way to cope with their feelings. (Mahari, 1999, para.4) Another reason a person continues to self-mutilate is because when a person begins to cut them self, the brain releases a chemical called endorphins into the body. Endorphins act as pain-killers and tend to leave the person with the feeling of euphoria. (Lader, n.d., Why would anybody intentionally hurt themselves section, para. 12) This feeling is very comparable to being addicted to drugs. The more you do it the more you are in a constant search of the feeling you received from the first time you did it. (Mudgett, 1999, para. 3)

Individuals who have tattoos or piercings are often falsely accused of being self-mutilators. Although these practices have varying degrees of social acceptability, the behavior is not typical of self-mutilation. This differs from the individual who self-mutilates for the peer pleasure that is received from cutting or burning.

Individuals who self-mutilate have often suffered sexual, emotional or physical abuse during childhood. Studies have shown that nearly 50% and up to 90% of self-mutilators have been physically or mentally abused. (Lader, n.d., Background of self-injurers section, para. 1) The earlier the abuse began the earlier and more severe the self-mutilation tends to be. (Wallace, 1999, Invalidation independent of abuse section, para. 1) Self-mutilation has been most commonly seen as a diagnostic indicator for borderline personality disorder

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