Self-Injurious Behaviors

Self-injurious behaviors occur when a child knowingly and deliberately harms their body in order to change the way they are feeling. This type of behavior has become increasingly common among children. Self-injurious behaviors can be a sign of an underlying mental health issue, but the physical wounds can also lead to scarring, infections, or other complications.

Although all children may hurt themselves accidentally, self-injurious behaviors are not part of normal child development and should be addressed.
BPD

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of self-injurious behavior are different depending on the type of self-injurious behavior. The following is a list of typical signs and symptoms of self-injurious behavior. 

Your child may be injuring themself if they:

  • Shows evidence of cutting (shallow cuts on a child’s arms, legs, or abdomen)
  • Has areas of plucked skin and hair
  • Bangs their head on walls or other hard surfaces
  • Begins to have excessive tattooing or body piercing
  • Has visible scratches
  • Begins to develop scars
  • Has burn marks
  • Develops low self-esteem
  • Has a history of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, or neglect

Tip

Other mental health issues usually accompany self-injurious behaviors. If you are concerned that your child may be injuring themself, then you may need to consider other mental health issues as well. Also, some children who hurt themselves may lack certain coping and communication skills and may need help developing these skills.
 

Related Centers & Programs
Child & Adolescent Inpatient Program at Bradley Hospital
Child & Adolescent Partial Hospital Programs
Children's Residential Treatment Services
Bradley Outpatient Services
Outpatient Group Therapy Programs for Kids, Teens and Parents
Co-Occurring Disorders Services
Intensive Program for OCD and Anxiety Disorders
Verrecchia Clinic for Children with Autism and Developmental Disabilities
Bradley REACH

Courses

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What Happens When We Incarcerate Young Children?
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Understanding Risk for Nonsuicidal Self-Injury
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This presentation will provide a broad overview of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents, including its prevalence in this age group, the reasons teens engage in this behavior, some of the...
Richard Liu, PhD
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The Positive Use of Video Games and Media in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
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Video games have been considered the new contemporary toys of the Twenty First Century. Horacio Hojman, MD has always been interested in using video games and media narratives as a pivotal step to...
Horacio Hojman, MD
Margaret R. Paccione-Dyszlewski, PhD

Podcast Episodes

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Teens, Mental Health, and the Impact of Substance Use
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Gregory K. Fritz, MD
Soothing Strategies: Occupation Therapy Tips for Managing Sensory Overload
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When Words Hurt: A Practical Approach to Bullying
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Typical Co-Existing Diagnoses

Anxiety Disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)
Depression
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Psychosis
Substance Use
Reactive Attachment Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Self-Injurious Behaviors