[mysterio]

I know someone with this disorder. It is real and disturbing, and I believe it is a true addiction. The person managed to stop, but it is still a struggle. My heart goes out to people suffering from this, as well as their loved ones. It is awful to see one you love go through it.

[Sandy]

This is bizarre. My hunch is that these people crave the endorphins. They should try running.

[BlackVeil]

One can see the link with eating disorders, as well.

I wonder if, in some communities in the past, people suffering from this type of thing might have been seen as religious ascetics, rather than as ill or self-destructive. People who starved, lashed and even burnt themselves were sometimes defined as holy. Most of them probably were, but some may have been acting out this type of compulsion.