Abstract
Background Body piercing is on the rise in Western societies. Its high prevalence among psychiatric patients draws attention to the relationship between body piercing and psychopathology. Method A case study concerning a young patient with multiple body piercing followed by a review of the existing literature concerning the psychopathology of body piercing. Results In the case study described, body piercing is symptomatic of the patient's borderline personality disorder (BPD). Current research emphasizes its association with high risk and suicidal behaviours, violence and addictions. However, little data is available on the relationship with specific personality disorders. Conclusion The high prevalence of BPD symptoms among pierced populations suggests an association with this disorder. Further research, however, is necessary to confirm this hypothesis. When confronted with multiple piercings, practitioners should investigate associated symptoms and disorders.
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