Background: Non-suicidal self-injury in many different forms is a classic struggle for those diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Some common ways of NSSI are cutting, scratching and head banging.
Case description: A 23-year old woman with BPD presented in our clinic with a four month history of intravenous application of a liquid dosage form of nicotine that is generally use for nasal application. Accordingly the patient developed nicotine dependency (ICD-10 F17.25). Before her admission to our ward the daily intravenous nicotine application was around 33mg. The in-patient detoxification proceeded without a remarkable withdrawal syndrome.
Conclusion: A case of regular intravenous administration of nicotine has been observed apparently resulting in nicotine dependence in a person with borderline personality disorder. The original intent appears to have been self-harm.