Is House Becoming a Cutter?
On top of his many problems, Dr. House has also been observed cutting himself. Most recently, in the throes of Vicodin withdrawal symptoms, House cuts his arm, arguing that endorphins released in reaction to the injury will help relieve his symptoms.
This is based on solid research on the part of the writers. Endorphins, discovered in 1975, are among the brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which function in the transmission of signals within the nervous system. Stress and pain are the two most common factors leading to the release of endorphins. Endorphins interact with the opiate receptors in the brain to reduce our perception of pain, having a similar action to drugs such as morphine and codeine (and Vicodin!). Unlike drugs, however, activation of the opiate receptors by the body's endorphins does not lead to addiction or dependence.
But cutting isn't a typical response of opiate addicts. Rather, this form of self-injury occurs predominantly in adolescents, particularly females, who are experiencing emotional issues such as depression, low self-esteem, or anxiety. Sometimes people self-injure because they feel empty or numb, because they cannot find another way to express their emotions, or because they perceive that the physical pain obliterates or possibly validates their emotional pain.
This doesn't sound like House. His motives seem more intellectual, a search for ways to mimic that Vicodin high. But there's a problem with his theory. Endorphin release varies among individuals - meaning that two people who exercise at the same level or suffer the same degree of pain will not necessarily produce similar levels of endorphins. So there's no guarantee that the cutting will even help his symptoms.
Further, there are activities that can trigger endorphin release that are far more pleasant than cutting. House doesn't strike me as the type who participates in strenuous athletics, but studies of acupuncture and massage therapy have shown that both these techniques can stimulate endorphin secretion. Sex is also a potent trigger for endorphin release. Finally, the practice of meditation can increase the amount of endorphins released in the body.
So it's unlikely that House will become a habitual self-injurer. Time will tell.
Related Topics:When Scab-Picking, Cutting Becomes Addictive College Students May Hide Self-Harm
Technorati Tags: House, cutting, self-harm, painkiller addiction
This is based on solid research on the part of the writers. Endorphins, discovered in 1975, are among the brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which function in the transmission of signals within the nervous system. Stress and pain are the two most common factors leading to the release of endorphins. Endorphins interact with the opiate receptors in the brain to reduce our perception of pain, having a similar action to drugs such as morphine and codeine (and Vicodin!). Unlike drugs, however, activation of the opiate receptors by the body's endorphins does not lead to addiction or dependence.
But cutting isn't a typical response of opiate addicts. Rather, this form of self-injury occurs predominantly in adolescents, particularly females, who are experiencing emotional issues such as depression, low self-esteem, or anxiety. Sometimes people self-injure because they feel empty or numb, because they cannot find another way to express their emotions, or because they perceive that the physical pain obliterates or possibly validates their emotional pain.
This doesn't sound like House. His motives seem more intellectual, a search for ways to mimic that Vicodin high. But there's a problem with his theory. Endorphin release varies among individuals - meaning that two people who exercise at the same level or suffer the same degree of pain will not necessarily produce similar levels of endorphins. So there's no guarantee that the cutting will even help his symptoms.
Further, there are activities that can trigger endorphin release that are far more pleasant than cutting. House doesn't strike me as the type who participates in strenuous athletics, but studies of acupuncture and massage therapy have shown that both these techniques can stimulate endorphin secretion. Sex is also a potent trigger for endorphin release. Finally, the practice of meditation can increase the amount of endorphins released in the body.
So it's unlikely that House will become a habitual self-injurer. Time will tell.
Related Topics:
Technorati Tags: House, cutting, self-harm, painkiller addiction
7 Comments:
I hope this sparks some honest and intelligent discussion, rather than a lot of "House is crazy" talk. Kudos to the writers of House for making the title character a fully realized, three-dimensional, productive human being before introducing the idea of self-harm.
One thing I would like to add: self-harm may occur predominantly in adolescents, but the fact that it also occurs in adults - who are, I think from my own experience, more apt to hide it - cannot and should not be ignored.
"So it's unlikely that House will become a habitual self-injurer."
Well, there was the episode last season where he quit taking vicodin to win a bet, and chose to break his hand to alleviate some of the pain in his leg.
Although, that might have been more a neural pathways approach (brain can't adequetely process pain signals from two sources) than an endorphin thing.
I was pretty shocked to see my favorite tv doctor "House" "cutting" himslf last week, but honestly that just part of the drama that makes it such a good show...my only...and single complaint would be that I am a Lupus patient, and I honestly believe they throw the word "Lupus" around a little too much when trying to make a diagnosis.
Adults do self-harm. I have done it several times and have never used it as an endorphin release.
My reasons are purely those of someone who does it to release menatl anguish that I can' handle.
I don't quite qualify as an adolescent being 51.
I have known many who cut or otherwise self harm, and have done so myself. I do see it more frequently in women, adolescents, tho some men I have met also do it. All of these, myself included, experienced severe trauma and/or mental illness, and have learned to cope with their emotions and often abusive or "closed" environments (where they lack control over much of their lives)by "controlled" infliction of pain. Endorphines add to the addictive attraction..to cancel pain with pain. Those who suffer from various experiences that are overwhelming such as Natural disasters, war, death of close loved one, Crimes, ect..and who cannot process it may find this way of relief. I personally don't like to say only certain age or type of person would self-harm. PTSD affects many in our society. Breaking the silence and the secrecy is the key..if a person can talk about the traumas and feelings, have them validated, learn new, healthy coping methods..healing can begin.
I am a 32 y.o. female, and I "cut" whenever I am experiencing some kind of depression or other mental anguish. I wish the "experts" would quit saying that it's most common in adolescents. Cutting might start in adolescents, but for those of us that it works, we will keep doing it. But, yes, adult cutters are more mature and more able to hide it.
I also have 'cut' in the past and am in my 30s. While I am trying to lose that impulse, I must admit that when i am feeling particularly sad and hopeless, the urge to cut is almost too much to resist.
I am sad to hear that several others have stated that they are also 'cutters' and I hope they can get some help with this problem. For me the main issue is depression which is caused by, or causes, feelings of self-loathing, hopelessness, and anger. I hope the other 'cutters' who have posted are in therapy which hopefully will help them to see their value and strengh and help them resist this very strong, but self-destructive, urge.
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