Introduction Summer 2005, Vol 4, Issue 3, Topic: Self-Injurious Behavior
With the current issue of The Remuda Review, we begin a new series of articles on common co-occurring problems faced by eating disorder patients. Throughout this new series, we plan to consider the assessment, conceptualization, and treatment of self-injurious behavior, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, substance use, trauma, and personality disorders within Remuda’s bio-psycho-social-spiritual model. In each article, we will consider how these co-occurring problems relate to eating disorder development, symptoms, and maintenance, and, where relevant, variable manifestations based on age, development, and culture.
The present issue focuses in depth on our first topic: self-injurious behavior. We have chosen to begin with this exploration because, unlike the other co-occurring problems we intend to explore, self-injurious behavior is a real-time burgeoning phenomenon among eating disorder patients. We are in the midst of an epidemic of self-harm, and the need is evident to assist health professionals in dealing practically and effectively with this emerging problem.
We hope the articles and case study in this issue will help to raise awareness of self-injurious behavior among eating disorder patients and offer professionals practical tools for understanding and aiding those who repetitively mutilate their bodies in extreme efforts to meet their needs and soothe emotional turmoil. Above all, we hope to communicate to the professional community that self-injurious behavior is not often done with manipulative intentions, but is most often used by patients as a method of coping with emotional distress. To automatically label those with self-injurious behavior as manipulative does a great disservice to patients: it prevents our understanding their true needs and aiding them in the acquisition of healthier coping skills. As healthcare professionals, we need to recognize that it is a new day: effective methods now exist to assist self-injuring patients in living healthier lives free of this destructive behavior.
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.”
Colossians 2:8
