A prospective study on deliberate self harm

Abstract

INTRODUCTION : Suicide and deliberate self harm [DSH) in Sri Lanka have caused considerable concern due to its dramatic increase over the past few iecades. In global terms Sri Lanka has the highest -ate of suicide amongst females while its second lighest in males. The research work done with regard ,o DSH still appears to be inadequate. OBJECTIVES : To identify the demographical pattern )f DSH; nature of the attempt & methods used, mderlying psychopathology, awareness of helping igencies amongst the patients. METHOD : All patients (91) with DSH refered to the 'sychiatric Unit G.H Ragama within a period of one 'ear from October 1996 were included. ICD 10 riteria was used in the assessment. RESULTS : 53/91 were females. Age distribution 20yrs -21/91; 20-3Oyrs 38/91; 31-40yrs 17/91, 41-Oyrs 10/91; 51-60yrs 2/91; 61-70yrs 3/91. 47/91 /ere single; 42/91 married; 2/91 divorced. 18/91 grochemical poisoning ; 26/91 overdosing, 25/91 ther methods (kerosine oil, oleander etc.) 22/91 sed violent methods. Amongst impulsive acts 19/91) 6 were under the influence of alcohol. 42/91 ad mental illness; 19 affective disodcrs; 12 :hizophrenia; 2 Delusional disorder ; 4 :hizoaffective disorder; 1 mental retardation; 1 bsessive compulsive disorder; 3 psychoactive jbstance abuse. 59/91 wished to be alive; 17/91 'ished to be dead; 15/91 indifferent, 34/91 were ware of helping agencies. CONCLUSIONS : Females outnumbered the males and le commonest age distribution was between 21-)yrs. Overdosing was the commonest method used hile affective disorder was the main sychopathology amongst the mentally ill. An iteresting observation was that only a minority were rare of helping agencies and its worthwhile iproving the awareness of helping agencies nongst the people.