Another Troubled Teen: A Boomers Guide to Adolescent Disorders

21 Dec Another Troubled Teen: A Boomers Guide to Adolescent Disorders

Another Troubled Teen: A Boomers Guide to Adolescent Disorders

by BoomerYearbook.com

This x-ray image illustrates 3 metal staples embedded in the hand of a teenage girl. (Credit: RSNA)

It seems as though there are a multitude of emotional disorders which afflict adolescents. Just as one condition seems to be understood, another one seems to almost immediately appear. One of the latest of such emotional disorders reported by the Radiological Society of North America, (RSNA) is Self-Embedding disorder, or SED. This is a condition where a person creates a self inflicted wound, and then forces an object into the wound; a type of self- injury disorder that seems to have a disproportionate prevalence amongst teenage girls.

In most cases doctors are able to remove the objects with relative ease with the use of ultrasound and minor imaging techniques to determine the objects location. However, it is rare for the afflicted teen to report the embedded objects until the pain becomes unbearable. Alarmingly, in one RSNA report they stated that 9 teenage girls showing symptoms of this disorder had to have 52 objects removed from their bodies! Some of the items they were successful in removing were glass, wood, plastic, paper clips, and pencil lead. These are just some of the types of objects that are being embedded.

Some of these objects are not detectable through the x-ray so the use of ultrasound was beneficial in finding items such as wood, crayon, and plastics. The Doctors would make a small incision in the area of the implant and remove it. Fortunately, the above 9 teens were able to have the objects successfully removed without complications.

Radiologists seem to be at the forefront in detecting Self Embedding Disorder, as they are uniquely qualified and highly successful in detecting such embedded items; thus recognizing SED afflicted persons. Often the embedded objects are found in the arms, hands, feet ankles or neck. In one particular case a patient embedded 11 objects into wounds.

Although embedding is a relatively newly identified affliction, other types of self inflicted injuries, such as Cutting and Self Injury, are not. There is also a diagnostic distinction that is more apparent in SED in that it is readily identifiable as a self inflicted condition; whereas in cases of cutting and other self injuries individuals can often blame the injury on other incidents or accidental causes. It is almost impossible to do this when an object has been embedded. Medical personnel are astute at identifying what caused the initial injury in comparison to the object imbedded.

When a parent or grandparent notices strange or numerous injuries in their teenager, the adult must be on the alert for the possibility of this troubling new disorder. Adults must watch closely for signs of self inflicted wounds, and get immediate treatment help from a qualified mental health professional. The key to preventing recurrences is to disrupt the cycle. Parents and grandparents need to tune into their child’s everyday activities and pay attention to their friends (or lack of friends), social interactions, clothes and music preferences. Recognizing the signs of a disturbed teen is crucial for the treatment of this disorder.

It has been determined that at about 70% of those suffering from this disorder will repeat the disturbed behavior and are frequently harboring suicidal ideation and/or have been diagnosed with other serious pathological issues such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Knowledge is the best initial intervention. If you are suspicious, please get help from a qualified mental health professional. Self Embedding Disorder is a troubling new boomer concern but you do not have to suffer alone! Come join others at boomeryearbook.com for information and support.

We at Boomer Yearbook welcome your thoughts and comments about this disturbing and potentially life threatening newly recognized disorder.

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