Daily life can cause frustrations, discomforts and anguish that last over time. This gives rise to various problems for the mental and physical health of many people when there are difficulties in channeling the unpleasant feelings that may appear. Currently, autolytic behaviors in which the person harms himself with determined intentions are in full swing in various populations around the world. In fact, these types of behaviors are much more frequent than we think and can manifest in both adolescents and adults.
In this Psychology-Online article, we will explain what are autolytic behaviors and how to prevent them.
Autolytic behaviors are those that a person performs with the intention of causing harm. physical harm to herself. These types of manifestations can carry significant health risks, since there is a possibility that the person may even put her life at risk. However, it is necessary to make a distinction between the various types of autolytic behaviors in order to distinguish those that produce injuries that affect the body from those that can lead to very serious consequences. unfavorable.
According to the DSM-V[1], this class of behaviors can be classified within the suicidal behavior disorder due to its characteristics. However, in order to determine an adequate diagnosis of this pathology, a series of specific criteria:
- Suicide attempts in the past 24 months.
- The act is not linked to the relief of discomfort through a self harm.
- There is no presence of a state of delirium or confusion.
- The behavioral alteration is not related to the intake of drugs and/or toxic substances.
- The manifestations are not the product of the presence of another mental disorder.
In order to more accurately determine the origin of autolytic behaviors, it is important to know the most frequent causes that come into play. We show them to you below:
Genetic factors
First of all, the Genetic heritage forms a transcendental place in the appearance of harmful situations for the person. On the one hand, there are certain neural connections that process information from the outside associated with particular emotions.
In this sense, people who present autolytic behaviors have a greater sensitivity to situations that cause discomfort, distress, among others. This activates both adrenaline and cortisol, two stress-related hormones. Therefore, it is important to consider whether the parents have some type of neurological disorder through a medical study.
Environmental factors
The traumatic experiences have a triggering effect of autolytic behaviors. In general terms, the high levels of frustration, discomfort, anguish and anger that are presented account for the need to set a limit against these emotions.
In turn, the affective ties created during childhood can also determine the degree of autolytic behaviors.
As a result of the importance of autolytic behaviors, it is necessary to focus on each one of them in order to detect them in time and develop appropriate strategies. Here we will explain the types of autolytic behaviors:
- Cuts: injuries that can be done by using knives, scissors, among others. In general, they produce superficial wounds on the skin and organs of the body.
- Own blows: its meaning is linked to the fact of causing deep damage to any part of the human from the use of the hand or another object that the person uses to hurt himself.
- Burns: are caused by the insertion of hot elements with fire. When this happens, it is more important injuries than the previous ones.
- perforations: finally, this type of behavior accounts for more serious injuries because the skin is damaged by sharp elements.
Finally, it is essential to know strategies to reduce the impact of this type of manifestations in the people who suffer them. Here's how to prevent suicide attempts:
- Carry out primary prevention programs: Adolescents are people who go through a process of physical and mental changes. If there are situations of vulnerability, it is necessary to provide information about the symptoms they present people with autolytic behaviors, in addition to explaining who can be called upon in emergencies.
- emotional containmentl: when an adolescent is at risk, the help of her closest environment is essential. Therefore, in these cases empathy and trust will be key.
- Perform psychological therapy: One of the causes of this type of behavior lies in feelings of anger, anguish and discomfort that cannot be channeled. In order to avoid severe consequences, going to a mental health professional allows the person to acquire tools to cope with complex moments.
- remove dangerous items: Since autolytic behaviors occur with elements that endanger life, a necessary intervention is to remove those sources of risk.
- Promote leisure activities: Performing physical, artistic or any interest activity allows the person to reduce stress levels. In turn, social gatherings in which a warm atmosphere is generated represent a healthy moment.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
