RE: Psychology Addict # 51 | Self-Harm – An Overview Through the Biopsychosocial Lens
A magnificent read, as always!
The effect opioids have on providing pain-relief and pleasure explains the little pain and pleasure resulted from the cuts reported by these individuals. Further still, more recent research demonstrated that within self-harmers there are those for whom the sight of their own blood brings an added sense of calmness alongside with reduced heart rate.
So now it all makes sense to me. It basically has to do with specific groups of neural structures known as the dopamine reward system, is that correct? Cause I'd be surprised if it were so!
Almost like in cases of addiction, the effect of self-harm (the mood uplift prompted by the release of opioids) is short-lived; which, in turn, causes the behaviour to be repeated.
Sounds like a downward spiral. My heart goes out to all the people suffering.
Thank you for another thought-provoking piece.
Have a great night!
Good question @lordneroo :)
Let's see if I can reply to it in a clear, concise manner.
There are two important chemicals involved in addictive behaviours (or behaviours with addictive aspects): dopamine and opioids. While the former plays a fundamental part in the "wanting/craving" aspect of it (the pursuit and seeking of the behaviour), the former has its role in the "liking" phase (the one that yields pleasure).
So, yes! The reward system (the mesolimbocortical pathways) plays a role here alongside endogenous opioids systems :)
Thank you for taking some of your time to understand this psychological condition and for looking at it with kindness and empathy.
I wish you a wonderful day my dear. You are a sweetheart! :*