Two studies in self-mutilation: analysis and review

Self-mutilation, although rare, is a devastating sort of psychopathology. Seen primarily in an institutional setting, the impulse to ignore it must be resisted. Presented here, is a review of the literature. There has been an attempt to organize the information in terms of causation and treatment. Additionally there has been an effort to point out and give credit to those schools of thought that have contributed to the body of knowledge. Also included are two case studies of self-mutilative clients and an analysis of these cases and recommendations for further study regarding causation and treatment.