Cutting is described as a self-mutilating form of self-injury, meaning that individuals actually cause disfigurement by cutting or slashing their own skin. Self-mutilation can be broken down into three categories:

• Superficial/moderate. The most common type of self-mutilation, involving superficial to moderate lacerations (cutting) or burns to one’s own skin. It is most often seen with borderline personality disorder and psychosis.
  
  
• Stereotypic. Those types of repetitive, rhythmic self-injuries (e.g., head-banging) often seen with organic disorders such as autism or mental retardation.
  
  
• Major. An extremely rare form of self-injury involving the severing of limbs and genitals. It is usually associated with psychotic disorders.