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Renfrew Center Study Shows Nearly Half of Eating Disorder Patients Self-Harm

Posted on: Monday, 2 October 2006, 15:00 CDT

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- While coverage of many other mental health issues has become more accepted, it seems self-harm is still considered a "taboo" topic. However, with the presence of self-harm communities on social networking websites, and the release of findings from several studies - like that published in Pediatrics which found that 17% of students at two Northeastern US universities engaged in self-harming behavior, and another in the UK which found that 1 in 10 teenage girls harm themselves each year - it's becoming more and more dangerous to ignore this issue.

Experts at The Renfrew Center, the country's oldest and leading authority on eating disorders, warn that self-harming is frequently accompanied by other mental health issues, like eating disorders, and should be taken seriously. A study of adolescent and adult patients at The Renfrew Center from January- August 2006, revealed that 44% of patients admitted to self-harming at some point in their lives. Of those patients, 9% admit to self-harming on a daily basis; 17% a few times a week; 30% a few times a month; and 44% a few times a year. The most common methods of self-harming identified in the study were:

- Cutting - Scratching - Burning - Bruising - Breaking Bones

Self-harm still carries a stigma mostly due to a general misunderstanding of the issue. Many people incorrectly assume that self-harm is an attempt at suicide or an attention-seeking behavior. However, like eating disorders, self-harm is a symptom of a much larger, complex issue.

"Like an eating disorder, self-harm is an unhealthy way to cope with overwhelming emotions," says Kim Johnson, PsyD, Clinical Supervisor and Therapist for The Renfrew Center of Philadelphia. "Self-harm is a red-flag warning that someone is in emotional pain that should be addressed with a mental health professional immediately."

Colleen, a 22-year-old Glen Mills, PA resident turned to self-harming at a time when she felt her world was falling apart. "The first time I cut was the day when my parents bought a new house," says Colleen. "I was so scared and I felt so unsafe. I couldn't imagine everything changing."

It can be difficult to identify someone who self-harms, as it is often done in private on a part of the body that isn't exposed. Experts at The Renfrew Center offer the following warning signs that someone may be self- harming:

- Wears long sleeves and long pants even in warm weather - Frequent, unexplained injuries - Avoidance of activities that exposes the body, like swimming - Periods of isolation, especially right after moments of anger or anxiety - Rapid and/or extreme fluctuations in mood

If you suspect a loved one may be self-harming, urge them to seek professional help immediately.

"Approach the person with an attitude of open, caring concern during a period of emotional quiescence, gently letting them know of your concern and your availability to talk with and support them," says Dr. Johnson.

The Renfrew Center, the nation's first free-standing eating disorder treatment facility, has treated over 45,000 women since opening its doors in 1985. Renfrew has residential and outpatient facilities in Philadelphia, PA and Greater Ft. Lauderdale, FL as well as outpatient sites in Ridgewood, NJ; New York City; Wilton, CT and Bryn Mawr, PA. The Renfrew Center specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder and related mental health issues.

To learn more about eating disorders or to find out additional information about The Renfrew Center or any of its programs, call 1-800-RENFREW or visit http://www.renfrewcenter.com/.

The Renfrew Center

CONTACT: Rachel Ammon of The Renfrew Center, +1-215-254-1650, orRammon@renfrewcenter.com

Web site: http://www.renfrewcenter.com/

Source: PRNewswire

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