Deliberate Self-Harm and Relationship to Alcohol use at an Emergency Department in Eastern Taiwan

115 first-time deliberate self-harm patients in Taiwan were studied. About half of the patients were female & 83.5% were between 20 & 54 years. In total, 55 of the cases were found to be alcohol-related. The proportion of alcohol-related injuries was highest in the 45-64-year age group. Of those patients who tested positive for alcohol, the mean blood alcohol concentration was 211.2 mg/dL. Only 20 patients received a psychiatric consultation. A deliberate self-harm injury offers an opportunity to recognize alcohol problems. (26 refs.)