Self-mutilation has been defined as ‘deliberate, direct destruction of body tissue without conscious suicidal intent’. Although self-mutilative behaviors (SMB) has not been described as a distinct diagnostic category within DSM-IV-TR, it represents a frequent comorbidity with many psychiatric disorders, including drug dependency. SMB may disturb the treatment of psychiatric disorders. In this report, we present a case who had been hospitalized in AMATEM (Alcohol and Drug Research, Treatment and Training Center) for the treatment of heroin addiction and had unusual SMB such as tooth extraction, skin picking and autoinfection of the eyes. Due to these SMB, the patient had to be transferred to general psychiatry service and had difficulties to adherence for the outpatient therapy program.
Key words: Self-mutilative behaviors, heroin addiction, treatment
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