Case study: severe self-injurious behavior in comorbid Tourette's disorder and OCD

Abstract

This case report describes the successful treatment of severe self-injurious behavior in a 16-year-old adolescent with Tourette's disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Treatment is described from initial presentation to the emergency department for severe self-inflicted oral lacerations through discharge from the inpatient psychiatric service. Modes of treatment included emergent medical intervention, intensive care services, psychopharmacology, and psychological services. The collection of treatment modalities implemented by this multidisciplinary team may serve as a guide to other health care professionals when severe self-injurious behavior is the presenting problem.