A Question of Health: I suspect my daughter is cutting herself; how should I respond? And what is the best way to tackle persistent blackheads?(Features) From: The Independent (London, England) | Date: August 2, 2004| Author: | COPYRIGHT 2004 Independent Newspapers (UK) Ltd. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

Byline: Dr Fred Kavalier

Should I ignore it?

I recently noticed that my 14-year-old daughter had deliberately cut her wrist. In the brief moment I saw it, it looked like a portcullis. When I spoke to her about it, she looked sheepish and hurriedly covered it up, and refuses to discuss it. I gather this could be some sort of ritual that girls do, but I am still concerned. I don't want to over-react, or ignore something serious. Should I insist she see our GP, with a view to getting help, or is it better to ignore it?

The fact that your daughter has been cutting ...