2. Destructive, disfiguring actions toward one's own body.
Self-mutilation is a general term for a variety of forms of intentional self-harm without the wish to die.
Cutting one's skin with razors or knives is the most common pattern of self-mutilation. Others include biting, hitting, or bruising oneself; picking or pulling at the skin or hair; burning oneself with lighted cigarettes, or amputating parts of the body.
Self-mutilation should not be confused with current fads for tattoos and body piercing. In some cases, however, it may be difficult to distinguish between an interest in these fads and the first indications of a disorder.
In general, young people who have learned to express themselves in words or through art and other creative activities are less likely to deal with painful feelings by injuring their bodies.