SELF-MUTILATION IN TEENAGERS 3Self-mutilation in adolescents Self-harm is the act of deliberately damaging one's own body. Like cutting or burning yourself. It is not intended as a suicide attempt. Rather, self-harm is an unhealthy way of dealing with emotional pain, intense anger, and frustration. Because self-harm is often committed on impulse, it can be considered an impulse control behavioral problem. The first article examined the diagnosis and treatments of adolescents who self-mutilate. The article states that self-mutilation is complicated and difficult to diagnose. (Williams and Bydalek, 2007). Patients often live with this behavior for a long time before receiving the diagnosis, as they have become good at hiding their behavior, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants even during hot weather. Making excuses for scars, bruises or cuts. Even teenagers hide this behavior out of fear and embarrassment. Parents of adolescents who self-mutilate, even perhaps in denial, may fear that child services may think their child is being abused. The disorder often coexists with another disorder requiring psychotropic medications, the administration of which should be managed by a psychiatric service. doctors specializing in children and adolescents. (William & Bydalek, 2007) Self-mutilation is not a suicide attempt. Rather it is an act used to relieve internal feelings of emotional pain, tension or anxiety. (Williams & Bydalek, 2007) Causes Researchers suggest that underlying mental disorders and abuse may be underlying causes of self-mutilation. Previous studies have suggested there may be a genetic link to self-mutilation. After obtaining DNA samples, Joyce (2006) reported a significant correction...... halfway through the article...... Retrieved from http:/ /search.proquest.com/docview/204522587?accountid = 27965Herpertz, S, Sass, H., & Favazza. AR (1997). Impulsivity in self-mutilation behavior: Psychometric and biological findings. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 31,451-464. Ross, S., & Heath, N. (2003), Two models of adolescent self-mutilation. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 33, 277-287. Ross, S., & Nancy, L. H. (2003). Two models of adolescent self-mutilation. Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior, 33(3), 277-87. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docreview/224893932?accountid=27965Williams, K. A., & Bydalek, K. A. (2007). Adolescent self-mutilation: diagnosis and treatment. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services, 45(12), 19-23. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/do view/22532532?accountid=27965