What is the difference between parasuicidal behaviour and deliberate self harm?
Parasuicidal behavior and deliberate self-harm are related concepts, but they have distinct meanings and implications:
- Parasuicidal Behavior: This term refers to any intentional self-injurious behavior with or without the intent to die. It encompasses a range of actions, including self-harm, suicide attempts, and gestures, where the individual engages in behaviors that may result in harm to themselves but may not necessarily be intended to cause death. Parasuicidal behavior is often seen as a way for individuals to cope with emotional distress or to communicate their distress to others. Examples include superficial cutting, scratching, burning, or overdosing on medication with the intent of self-injury rather than suicide.
- Deliberate Self-Harm (DSH): Deliberate self-harm specifically refers to intentional self-injury or self-poisoning without the intent to die. It is a broader term that encompasses a variety of behaviors aimed at causing physical harm or pain to oneself as a way of coping with emotional distress, regulating emotions, or expressing internal conflicts. Deliberate self-harm can take various forms, including cutting, burning, hitting, scratching, or engaging in risky behaviors that may result in injury.
While both parasuicidal behavior and deliberate self-harm involve intentional self-injury, the key distinction lies in the individual’s intent regarding the outcome:
- In parasuicidal behavior, the individual’s intent may vary. Some may have the explicit intention of ending their life (suicide attempts), while others may engage in self-injury as a means of coping with emotional pain or as a cry for help without the intent to die.
- Deliberate self-harm specifically excludes behaviors where the individual intends to die. Instead, the focus is on self-injury as a coping mechanism or expression of distress.
Both parasuicidal behavior and deliberate self-harm are indicators of significant psychological distress and may be associated with underlying mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, or trauma-related disorders. It’s essential for individuals engaging in these behaviors to receive appropriate support, assessment, and mental health intervention to address the underlying issues and reduce the risk of further harm.