A study of individuals with intentional self-harm referred to psychiatry in a tertiary care center

BACKGROUND: Intentional self- harm (ISH) is one of the commonest yet neglected entities of Consultation liaison Psychiatry. More researches in the field of ISH are needed to effectively manage this problem. AIM: To study the socio-demographic and clinical profile of subjects of ISH referred to Psychiatry in a tertiary care hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All subjects of ISH referred to department of Psychiatry, of a tertiary centre, on specified days were recruited in to the study after obtaining an informed consent. Socio-demographic details, details of psychiatric assessment were documented using a semi structured proforma. Appropriate management was done. RESULTS: Forty one subjects were included in the study. About two third of them belonged to the age group of 18 to 35 years. 56% of them were males, and 71% were married. House wives and students formed a significant proportion of sample. Most common method of ISH was self-poisoning. About two third of the patients had no diagnosable psychiatric illness. Interpersonal conflicts with family members (47%), conflicts with spouse (22%), broken emotional relationship (18%) were common causes for impulsive acts of ISH. CONCLUSIONS: ISH is common amongst young, married males. About two third of those who attempt ISH have no diagnosable psychiatric illness, in rest, neurotic stress related disorders, personality disorders and substance use disorders were predominant.