Southern Medical Journal · 1988 · 13 citations · 0 references
MedicinePsychiatrySurgeryEmergency SurgeryPsychiatric AssessmentSubstance Use DisordersMental IllnessPsychosomatic MedicinePsychotic DisordersSelf-harm ManagementSevere Mental IllnessTreatment Of Mental DisordersAssessment Of Command HallucinationsDeliberate Self-injuryEmergency Psychiatric InterventionPsychiatric ComplicationsPsychiatric TraumaSelf-harmSocial Isolation AssessmentSocial Isolation Intervention
Instances of deliberate self-injury are observed in both psychotic and nonpsychotic individuals. Patients with command hallucinations, religious preoccupations, substance abuse, and social isolation are the most vulnerable. Persons who request unnecessary surgical procedures for bizarre reasons also are at high risk. Such behavior constitutes a medical, surgical, and psychiatric emergency. A thorough psychiatric evaluation is mandated in every case. Vigorous psychiatric treatment and follow-up care involving the full range of pharmacologic, somatic, and psychologic interventions are indicated.