Self-mutilation has been most commonly seen as a diagnostic indicator for borderline personality disorder. However, practitioners have more recently observed self-harming behavior among those individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, multiple personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, and most recently, with adolescents and young adults. The increased observance of these behaviors has left many mental health professionals calling for self-mutilation to have its own diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The phenomenon is often difficult to define and easily misunderstood. This digest presents a definition of self-mutilation, reasons for self-mutilating behavior, characteristics of individuals who self-mutilate, common misconceptions of self-mutilation, and treatment options. It is noted in conclusion that although therapeutic interventions have improved substantially over the past two decades, further study is imperative to insure that those who practice the behavior continue to receive effective care. (GCP)