Clinical and demographic characteristics of patients presenting with deliberate self harm in a tertiary care hospital-Pakistan

Objective: To study the characteristics of deliberate self-harm in a tertiary care hospital population. Material and Methods: One hundred and twelve cases admitted to the Combined Military Hospital, Gilgit, between September 2010 and June 2012 were studied by analyzing the medical records. Information was collected regarding demographics, family history, personal history, suicidal ideation, current stressors, the act of deliberate self harm (DSH) and its management. Results: The commonest age group was 21–25 years of age. The majority were females (60.3%). More than 95% of patients used self-poisoning as a method of deliberate self-harm. Nearly 47% used benzodiazepines for self-poisoning. Precipitating factors included conflict with family, marital problems, chronic illnesses, and unemployment. Diagnosable psychiatric disorders were present in about two third of patient population. Conclusion: Young age, female gender, psychosocial stressors, and conflictual relationship with family members were prominent factors for deliberate self harm in sampled population.