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Dissociative Self-mutilation: A Case Report of Dissociative Amnesia

Li-Ren Chang, M.D.1,2, Chih-Min Liu, M.D.1, Hao-Wei Wang, M.D.3

Objective: To report a case of a patient with self-mutilation during episodes
of dissociative amnesia. Case Report: A 22-year-old woman patient with borderline
personality disorder started to have episodes of dissociative self-mutilation by
cutting her wrist after being rejected by her boyfriend and best friend. She had
similar episodes recurred after her father’s criticism. After treatment with a lorazepam-
assisted interview, psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, her symptoms improved.
Conclusion: This case study suggests that dissociative self-mutilation
may be related to child abuse, parents with high expressed emotion, psychiatric
comorbidity and interpersonal confl icts perceived as betrayal.
Key Word dissociative amnesia, self-mutilation, high expressed emotion, borderline personality disorder
Editorial Committe, Taiwanese Journal of Psychiatry
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