Impulsivity in self-mutilative behavior: psychometric and biological findings

J Psychiatr Res. 1997 Jul-Aug;31(4):451-65. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3956(97)00004-6.

Abstract

This paper examines impulsivity as a central factor in moderate/superficial self-mutilation such as skin-cutting and burning. A sample of 165 subjects were divided into four groups, namely self-mutilators, patients with any modes of impulsive behavior other than self-mutilation, patients without any impulsive behavior, and normal probands. All were administered the 10th version of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory, and the Inventory for the Assessment of Factors of Aggressiveness. They also were interviewed carefully in regards to both impulsive and self-mutilative behavior. A d-fenfluramine challenge test was administered to 36 females and prolactin levels were measured. On the whole results implicate impulsive personality functioning as a major factor in subjects with moderate/superficial self-mutilative behavior whose trait pathology is similar to personality disordered patients with other modes of self-harming impulsive behavior.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aggression
  • Anxiety Disorders / diagnosis
  • Anxiety Disorders / psychology
  • Female
  • Fenfluramine / blood
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior / psychology*
  • Male
  • Prolactin / blood
  • Psychometrics
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / etiology*
  • Serotonin / blood

Substances

  • Fenfluramine
  • Serotonin
  • Prolactin