1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Borderline Personality

Self-Harm

By Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD, About.com

Updated: August 16, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition:

Self-harm behavior includes any deliberate attempt to harm or destroy body tissue. Self-harm is done without suicidal intent, but is severe enough to cause physical injury.

Examples of self-harming behaviors include cutting, burning, head-banging, and severe scratching.

Also Known As: parasuicidal behavior, self-injury, self-mutilation, self-injurious behavior, deliberate self-harm
Explore Borderline Personality
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Borderline Personality
  4. Glossary
  5. Self-Harm - A Definition of Self-Harm in BPD

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.