Deliberate self harm

Abstract

Objective: Suicidal behavior or Deliberate Self Harm (DSH) is on the increase in Pakistan as indicated by news media and increase in OPD cases, hence it has a great importance as a Public Health Problem. Although, there is no paucity of data about the pattern of DSH in European Countries, in Pakistan, only few studies have been reported. The objective was to study this problem in local population. Design: Socio-demographic characteristics and psychosocial events were recorded on a semi-structured questionnaire. Diagnosis for Psychiatric illness was made on the basis of ICD 10 classification of mental behavioral disorder. Setting: Patients attending Accident and Emergency Department of Jinnah Hospital attached to Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore were included in this study. Subject and Methods: One hundred and four consecutive subjects of DSH attending the Accident and Emergency Department were enrolled for this study. Their age, sex, marital status, educational standards, socio-economic status, methods employed and various reasons for suicidal intents were recorded. Data was analyzed through Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) (8.0) overall differences were assessed using percentages and Chi-square test. Results: One hundred patients were analyzed since 4 subjects refused interview on personal grounds. Majority (62%) were young and preponderance was of females (60%). DSH was common among unmarried (53%) and majority (31%) were female. Eight percent were graduate and less and 20% graduate and above. Lower social class is predominant (60%) and common mode applied was drug overdose (55%). The domestic situation was the main reason (55%), others were financial difficulties (24%) and 21% had history of psychiatric care. Conclusion: Suicidal behavior is on the increase. It is common in young age, predominantly seen in females (60%) more in married females. It indicates impulsiveness, unpredictability, and an acute stress reaction. Preponderance of females shows restriction, less privileges and gender indiscrimination is present in our community values. The suicidal behavior is under reported as it is a criminal offence and no facilities are available for psychiatric evaluation.