Self-Harm & Emotional Regulation Disorders
Self-Harm & Emotional Regulation Disorders: Precision Neurocare with Genesis TMS
At Genesis TMS, we understand that self-harm is not a cry for attention—it’s a coping mechanism driven by real neurological distress. Through advanced qEEG brain mapping and personalized transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), we help restore balance in the brain, providing hope and healing for individuals struggling with self-injury and emotional overwhelm.
What is Self-Harm?
Self-harm, also known as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), involves deliberately inflicting physical pain as a way to manage intense emotional suffering. It’s not always tied to suicidal intent—instead, it’s a behavioral response to internal distress, emptiness, trauma, or a lack of emotional regulation. Common forms include:
- Cutting
- Burning
- Punching
- Skin picking
- Headbanging
The cycle of self-injury often involves temporary emotional relief followed by guilt or shame, which reinforces further self-harming behavior.
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Start feeling better through TMS—transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Who is Affected?
Recent data shows:
- 22–23% of adolescents report at least one episode of self-injury.
- Among college-aged individuals, rates are approximately 17–20%.
- In children (ages 5–10), self-harm is observed in about 1.3%.
- 5–6% of adults report a lifetime history of self-injury.
- Females account for approximately 60–70% of reported cases, although self-harm in males is likely underreported.
Self-harm often begins in adolescence but can persist into adulthood if not addressed.
Signs & Symptoms of Self-Harm
If you suspect someone may be self-injuring, watch for:
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Unexplained scars, bruises, or burns.
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Bullying or peer rejection.
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Mental health disorders (depression, anxiety, PTSD).
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Substance use or disordered eating.
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Difficulty identifying or expressing emotions.
Environmental stressors combined with neurological dysregulation create a powerful trigger for self-harming behavior.
Root Causes of Self-Injury
Self-harm often coexists with:
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Unresolved trauma, abuse, or neglect.
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Bullying or peer rejection.
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Mental health disorders (depression, anxiety, PTSD).
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Substance use or disordered eating.
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Difficulty identifying or expressing emotions.
Environmental stressors combined with neurological dysregulation create a powerful trigger for self-harming behavior.
Why Choose Genesis TMS?
Genesis TMS offers a neuroscience-based, stigma-free approach to emotional regulation:
Neuroimaging studies in individuals who self-harm reveal:
- QEEG brain mapping to detect imbalances in emotion-regulating circuits.
- Hyperactivity in the limbic system (emotional center).
- Drug-free, non-invasive treatment with minimal side effects.
- Reduced prefrontal cortex activity (linked to poor impulse control).
- Customized TMS protocols targeting overactive or underactive brain regions.
- Abnormal patterns similar to borderline personality disorder (BPD).
- Therapeutic support, including mindfulness, nutrition, and lifestyle guidance.
- Evidence of emotional trauma, including decreased brain volume.
Common Forms of Self-Injury
- Cutting – most common; often on arms, thighs, or stomach.
- Burning – using hot objects or chemicals.
- Punching – hitting self or walls (more common in males).
- Headbanging – risk of brain injury.
- Scratching/pinching – until bleeding or bruising occurs.
- Skin picking – interfering with healing wounds.
- Insertion – pushing objects into skin.
- Poisoning – ingesting harmful substances.
- Hair pulling (trichotillomania) – may include ingestion of hair.
Self-injury is rarely an isolated condition. It frequently overlaps with
- Anxiety disorders – found in up to 89% of self-harming individuals.
- Substance use disorders – present in 25–33% of individuals.
- Depression – affects 72–79% of those who self-injure.
- Eating disorders – present in 26–61%, especially bulimia.
- PTSD – co-occurs in 25–28% of cases.
- Dissociative disorders – observed in about 69%.
- Borderline Personality Disorder – seen in up to 75% of BPD patients.
- Suicidal ideation – up to 85% of those who self-injure have had suicidal thoughts or attempts.
