Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Diagnosis of Self-injury

As self- injury is often done in secret, many individuals will probably go to their doctor when they decide they want to be helped.

It is important that self- harm is taken seriously and that appropriate help and support is offered. The GP will discuss the history of self- harm with the person and try to find out if there is an underlying cause that can be treated.  With the person’s agreement the GP may refer to the mental health services.

It is likely that the person will have:

• a preoccupation with self- injury,
• increasing tension before self-injuring, and a sense of relief afterwards,
• no intention of committing suicide,
• not experienced psychotic symptoms (eg delusions or hallucinations).

• SARSScabiesScarlet feverScarsSchizophreniaSciaticaScoliosisScurvySeasonal affective disorderSecond opinionSelf-injurySeptic shockSexual health clinicsSexually transmitted infectionsShinglesShort-sightednessSick building syndromeSickle-cell anaemiaSinusitisSjogren's syndromeSlapped cheek syndromeSleep apnoeaSlipped discSmear testSmoking (quitting)SnoringSore throatSpina bifidaSpinal muscular atrophySports injuriesSprainsSquintStaphylococcal infectionsSterilisationStillbirthStings, insectStings, marine creaturesStreptococcal infectionsStressStretch marksStrokeSubarachnoid haemorrhageSubdural haematomaSudden infant death syndromeSuicideSunburnSupraventricular tachycardiaSyphilis

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