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What is nonsuicidal self-injury?

What causes children to hurt themselves?

How can I help children who are hurting themselves?

How do doctors treat children who hurt themselves?

Mental Health Disorders in Children and Adolescents

Overview of Mental Health Disorders in Children

Overview of Anxiety Disorders in Children

Conduct Disorder

Depression in Children and Adolescents

Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Children and Adolescents

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Separation Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder in Children and Adolescents

Suicidal Behavior in Children and Adolescents

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Which of the following is the most frequent cause of persistently low libido, or sex drive, in men?

History of sexual abuse
Kidney disease
Prescription drugs
Psychologic factors

Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Children and Adolescents

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Last full review/revision Nov 2020| Content last modified Nov 2020

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Nonsuicidal self-injury is when adults or children:

Hurt themselves in ways that clearly aren't meant to cause death, such as scratching, cutting, or burning themselves

Children who hurt themselves:

Are usually teens
May also abuse drugs or alcohol
Aren't trying to kill themselves, although some later do try to commit suicide
May be helped by therapy that helps them find other ways to manage their emotions and stress

Children and teens who hurt themselves may be doing it to:

Punish themselves
Get attention
Try to get help
Manage anger or stress

In some high schools, hurting yourself suddenly becomes a fad.

Although the behavior isn't necessarily suicidal, some children are at increased risk of suicide. Those at increased risk include children who:

Hurt themselves a lot
Use several methods of hurting themselves
Talk about suicide or have suicidal thoughts

Because it's hard to tell which children are at risk of suicide, those who injure themselves should see a doctor who specializes in the problems of children and teens. Doctors will assess the risk of suicide and come up with a treatment plan.

Doctors treat children who hurt themselves with:

Therapy
Sometimes, medicine

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: Click here for the Professional Version

Click here for the Professional Version

Depression in Children and Adolescents

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Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Children and Adolescents

Suicidal Behavior in Children and Adolescents

Suicidal Behavior

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