Self-mutilation is the deliberate mutilation of the body or a part of the body, not with the intent to commit suicide, but as a way of managing emotions that seem too painful for words to express.
Permanent disfigurement is the result.
It is associated with acute intoxicated or psychotic states. It is most common in autistic individuals and institutionalized mentally retarded people. Superficial or Moderate self-mutilation occurs repetitively and sporadically. It is not highly lethal and develops an addictive quality that can become an overwhelming preoccupation.