Self-Harm Disorder - Symptoms and Causes
Self-harm is a psychological disorder characterized by deliberate harmful behaviors carried out by an individual, resulting in physical harm to their body without an intent for suicide. This behavior often includes actions that lead to physical pain, such as cutting, burning, self-injury, hitting, or using other means to inflict harm upon oneself. These actions are used as a way to express psychological pain or intense negative emotions.
People who suffer from self-harm disorder may engage in these behaviors as a means of expressing the psychological pain they feel or as a way to cope with negative emotions such as deep sadness, severe anxiety, and mental stress. These actions can become a form of self-soothing or a means to achieve temporary relief. Therefore, it is recommended to seek the guidance of qualified mental health professionals in Qatar to overcome this disorder.
You can read more:
Body Dysmorphic Disorder: What are its causes and symptoms? How can it be treated?
Causes of self-harm disorder:
Psychological Stress: Severe mental pressure and psychological stress can lead to emotional tension that may drive an individual to resort to self-harm as a means of coping with these feelings.
Family Issues: The family environment and relationships with family members can be a source of pressures and tensions that push the individual to engage in self-harm.
Lack of Emotional Expression: Some individuals may find it difficult to express their emotions adequately with words or in an appropriate manner, leading them to resort to self-harm as a means of expressing their inner feelings.
Social and Cultural Pressures: Social and cultural factors may play a role in encouraging or adding additional pressures to individuals, increasing the likelihood of engaging in self-harm.
Social Isolation: Feeling isolated and lacking social support can lead to an increased likelihood of engaging in self-harm as a means to alleviate loneliness and psychological pain.
Past Trauma: Individuals who have experienced physical or emotional abuse in previous stages of their lives may be prone to engaging in self-harm as a way to cope with psychological and emotional distress.
Injuries or Physical Illnesses: Some individuals who experience physical pain due to injuries or illnesses may resort to self-harm as a way to cope with physical pain.
Feelings of Helplessness or Loss of Control: When an individual feels helpless or loses control over their life, they may struggle to deal with these emotions, leading to self-harm as a means of regaining control.
Symptoms of self-harm disorder:
Deep skin cutting using sharp objects like knives or glass. This behavior can result in severe injuries.
Setting oneself on fire or using hot substances to cause burns on various parts of the body.
Scratching or tearing the skin using fingernails or teeth.
Hitting oneself or slapping the face using fists or hands.
The treatment of self-harm disorder within psychiatric clinics in Qatar:
Psychological Evaluation: The best psychiatrist in Qatar conducts an assessment of the patient to understand the contributing factors to self-harm disorder.
Psychological Therapy: Psychological therapy is provided, which may include cognitive-behavioral therapy and other therapeutic approaches.
Social Support: This support can involve involving family and friends in the treatment, providing emotional support, and understanding for the patient.
Educational and Awareness: The best psychiatrist in Qatar guides the patient on the causes of self-harm and how to deal with it.
Medication Treatment: In some cases, medications can be helpful in treating the accompanying psychological symptoms of the disorder.
Emotional Regulation Skill Development: The patient is trained in how to manage negative emotions and develop skills for emotional control.
The Al-Sanabel Medical Center for Mental Disorders in Qatar provides specialized and comprehensive services for the treatment of self-harm disorder. The best psychiatrists in Doha work to offer the necessary psychological care and therapy to help patients overcome this disorder and achieve recovery.
