DELIBERATE SELF-HARM CASES TREATED IN AL-YARMOUK TEACHING HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background:This study comprises all cases of deliberate self-harm who were admitted to Al-Yarmouk teaching hospital in Baghdad between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2001.Method:A total of 40 cases were identified of whom 2 were admitted to the surgical wards and the rest to the medical department.Results:Deliberate self-harm accounted for 0.47% of all medical admissions during the period of our study . This low frequency could be attributed to the influence of Islamic teachings. The majority of subjects were single below age of 30 years (95%). With most below the age of 20 (52.5%) female to male ratio was 4:1 . Interpersonal conflicts leading to quarrels precipitated the act in over two-thirds (72.5%) of the episode.Conclusions:Drug over dosage was involved in 80% of the cases. Psychotropic , analgesics and miscellaneous drugs were used almost equally . Reactive depression was the commonest diagnosis (60%).Recommendations:Limited sales of analgesics discard of unused medications and discerte prescription of psychotropics particularly to young females are among recommended preventive measures.