“…Theoretical models for the explanation of underlying psychopathological mechanisms of self-harm and factitious disorders are often based on psychoanalysis [Eckhardt, 1994;Friedman et al, 1972;Sachsse, 1994]. These psychoanalytic perspectives understand self-harm to be the expression of an extremely negative aspect of the self, which is experienced as weak, impulsive, helpless, unworthy, and guilty and is identified with the body [Eckhardt, 1994;Hirsch, 1994;Sachsse, 1994]. Data to corroborate these concepts are regrettably scarce.…”