Self-inflicted Burns Initiated as a Socio-economic or Political Protest

Between May 1997 and February 2001, 956 burn patients were treated at the Gulhane Military Medical Academy Haydarpas of whom 36 presented deliberately self-inflicted burns. Seven of these 36 patients had attempted death by suicide; 27 were male. Psychiatric disorders were diagnosed in 83% of the cases. Socio-economic & political conflicts constituted the majority of the precipitating factors. (LC) (16 refs)