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Non‐suicidal self‐injury by intravenous application of nicotine in a patient with borderline personality disorder resulting in substance dependence
Author(s) -
Gahr Maximilian,
Freudenmann Roland,
SchönfeldtLecuona Carlos
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
addiction
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.424
H-Index - 193
eISSN - 1360-0443
pISSN - 0965-2140
DOI - 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2011.03393.x
Subject(s) - nicotine , borderline personality disorder , personality , psychiatry , psychology , detoxification (alternative medicine) , personality disorders , clinical psychology , medicine , social psychology , alternative medicine , pathology
Background Non‐suicidal self‐injury in many different forms is a classic struggle for those diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Some common ways of NSSI are cutting, scratching and head‐banging. Case description A 23‐year old woman with BPD presented in our clinic with a 4‐month history of intravenous application of a liquid dosage form of nicotine that is generally used for nasal application. Accordingly, the patient developed nicotine dependency (ICD‐10 F17.25). Before her admission to our ward the daily intravenous nicotine application was around 33 mg. The in‐patient detoxification proceeded without a remarkable withdrawal syndrome. Conclusion A case of regular intravenous administration of nicotine has been observed, apparently resulting in nicotine dependence in a person with borderline personality disorder. The original intent appears to have been self‐harm.