Methods of deliberate self-harm in Pakistan

Abstract

Reports of deliberate self-harm (DSH) are rare from Pakistan where psychotropic drugs can be obtained 'over the counter'. A retrospective analysis of 382 index cases presenting to a university hospital in Karachi showed self-poisoning with benzodiazepines as the most common method, followed by organophosphate insecticides. Salicylates and non-opiate analgesics were significantly absent from our series. Implications of these findings are discussed.