Study on suicidal intent and its relationship with psychiatric morbidity in cases of deliberate self-harm

Abstract

Background: Mental disorders are among the strongest predictors of suicide attempts. However, little is known regarding which disorders that is uniquely associated with suicidal behavior because of high levels of psychiatric co-morbidity. The present study was planned to undertake on suicidal intent in such deliberate self-harm patients. Aims: The aim is to determine the suicidal intent and to assess the relationship with psychiatric morbidity in patients of deliberate self-harm Settings: Patients of deliberate self-harm. Design: Cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 50 patients of deliberate self-harm admitted during study period of 6 months in appropriate in-patient unit for observation and necessary intervention, who fulfils inclusion criteria. A semi structured pro forma was used for collection of socio-demographic data, case history and Beck's Suicide intent scale was used which is designed to assess the severity of intention to die associated with an episode of deliberate self-harm. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, and percentage was used to present the data. To assess the relationship between the suicidal intent and psychiatric morbidity, Chi-square test was used. A P Results: Self poisoning (80%) was found to be the most common method employed in deliberate self-harm. 74% of the deliberate self-harm attempts were impulsive in nature. Altercation with the spouse (30%) was the most common precipitating factor. Psychiatric morbidity was found to be associated with suicidal intent (P = 0.0068). Conclusions: In conclusion, even with low intent to harm self we have to be careful while examining the patients of psychiatric morbidity. They are at risk of attempting harm to self. We cannot ignore the patients just on the basis of low intent to harm self.