Although self-harm is not formally classified as an addiction in the DSM-5-TR, some experts argue that it can manifest as a behavioral addiction due to its effects on the brain’s reward system.

We can be our own worst critics, but when negative self-talk and self-punishment become your dominant inner dialogue, you may be experiencing emotional self-harm. It’s natural to be hard on yourself ...

A meta-analysis of 38 studies found that nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is twice as prevalent in female teenagers as it is in men in North America and Europe but not in Asia. The study, led by Fiona ...

Emotional self-harm refers to negative thoughts that damage someone’s self-esteem and mental health. This can manifest in overly critical self-talk or ruminating on past mistakes. Although the term ...

Self-injury remains a stigmatized topic, even amongst some mental health professionals (e.g., Andersson, 2024). It can be viewed as “manipulative” or simply attention-seeking (Tien Shan, 2024). It can ...

Among adolescents, rates of nonfatal self-harm may be higher in older teens, females, and those who are multiracial, according to an analysis of data from hospitals in California. Researchers analyzed ...

Self-harm involves intentionally hurting one’s own body. A person can try various alternatives to self-harm, such as spending time with friends or pets, listening to music, or learning harm ...

Editor’s Note: This story contains details of self-harm that some readers may find upsetting or triggering. Help is available if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental ...

My first introduction to self-harm in autism was with headbanging. While headbanging is a relatively uncommon version of self-harm in the general population, for autistic individuals, headbanging is ...

This article discusses self-inflicted injury and mental illness. If you, or someone you know, need advice and help with any of the issues raised, support organisations are listed at the end. On a May ...