Study: Self-embedding a precursor to other psychological disorders

Researchers have found that between 13 percent and 23 percent of teens said they have intentionally hurt themselves, reports HealthDay.com.

A severe form of self-injury called self embedding occurs when people deliberately hurt themselves or mutilate their bodies without intending to commit suicide. Furthermore, they implant items made of metal, glass or wood into their skin. Many are ashamed of what they are doing and attempt to hide the wounds they have created.

Studies from the Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, have shown that 11 out of 600 patients who were admitted into the hospital to remove objects from under their skin, confessed that they intentionally inserted the objects. Furthermore, nine of the 11 patients were girls, while 10 were teens either who attempted suicide or had suicidal thoughts. Schools for troubled girls can give teens who suffer from this condition better strategies to relieve their stress and anxiety.

Many teens who suffer from self-embedding have other psychological disorders, including depression, borderline personality disorder, post traumatic stress disorder or bipolar disorder, according to the study.

According to 2007 data from the National Institute of Mental Health, almost seven out of every 100,000 teens between the ages of 15 and 19 commit suicide every year.