Precis Future Med.  2024 Sep;8(3):112-115. 10.23838/pfm.2024.00114.

Unintentional nonsuicidal self-injury in an adolescent with perfectionism

• Oh S

• KMID: 2559487
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.23838/pfm.2024.00114

Abstract

Nonsuicidal self-injury typically involves deliberate harm without suicidal intent; however, rare cases exist where self-injury occurs unintentionally, without conscious awareness. This report presents the case of a 16-year-old boy who exhibited unintentional self-harm during sleep, associated with severe academic stress and perfectionism. Despite psychological and medical interventions, the behavior persisted until academic stress was alleviated. This case highlights the need for a differentiated clinical approach to managing unintentional self-harm, emphasizing the importance of stress management and psychological support in adolescents to address the underlying emotional and behavioral triggers.

Keyword

Adolescent psychiatry; Perfectionism; Self-injurious behavior; Stress