Understanding self-mutilation in borderline personality disorder.

Self-mutilation is common in borderline personality disorder, but this pattern of behavior does not usually carry suicidal intent. Instead, it serves other functions, including regulation of dysphoric affect, communication of distress, expression of emotions, and coping with dissociative states. Multiple causal factors, including biological, psychological, and social risks, influence thresholds for self-mutilation. Management of this behavior can be informed by understanding its psychological functions.