Self injury is the deliberate damaging of body tissue without conscious intent to commit suicide.
It often results in permanent disfigurement and is most often associated with psychotic or acute intoxicated states. It is most commonly seen in institutionalized mentally retarded people, but also occurs in autistic, psychotic, and schizophrenic people as well as those with Lech-Nyhan and Tourette Syndromes. Although a significant indicator of emotional distress, this kind of injury is not highly lethal and results in relatively little tissue damage. It often occurs sporadically and repetitively. Cutting the skin with razor blades or broken glass is the most commonly seen method, and skin carving, burning, interference with wound healing, needle sticking, self-punching and scratching are among other examples.