HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Sister Cutting Herself. Has Cut Wrist Arm. Is It Due To Anger Or Depression?

default
Posted on Thu, 12 Sep 2013
Question: I have a 14 year old granddaughter who I am very worried about. it seem like several months ago she was seen by her 8 year old sister cutting herself. this has not stopped. the cuts have not been serious or needed dr sttention, but im more concerned why she is doing this. she has cut by wrist. arm. and legs. is this anger, a cry for help, defiance,depression, or mental? I just don't know? should she be seen by a doctor immediately? please advise me what to do. Her mom and her go through the normal teanage problems where she doesn't want to clean room ect. but she doesn't go with her mom placws any more and would rather stay home, and sleeps a lot XXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Depression

Detailed Answer:
Dear grandmother,

Thank you for your concerns. In the slang terminology, she would be a "cutter", meaning a patient that does self-inflicted injury that is not life threatening. The most common causes are uncontrolled and undiagnosed anxiety or depressive disorder. I believe it is very prudent for her to be seen by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist to determine if her symptoms can improve; social isolation and excessive sleep point towards more to depression.


Yours truly,


Yours truly,

Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Mayo Clinic MN
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 1198 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Sister Cutting Herself. Has Cut Wrist Arm. Is It Due To Anger Or Depression?

Brief Answer:
Depression

Detailed Answer:
Dear grandmother,

Thank you for your concerns. In the slang terminology, she would be a "cutter", meaning a patient that does self-inflicted injury that is not life threatening. The most common causes are uncontrolled and undiagnosed anxiety or depressive disorder. I believe it is very prudent for her to be seen by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist to determine if her symptoms can improve; social isolation and excessive sleep point towards more to depression.


Yours truly,


Yours truly,

Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Mayo Clinic MN