Year: 2009 Source: Crisis, v.30, no.2, (2009), p.85-89 SIEC No: 20100279

This study examined the characteristics & management of patients presenting with deliberate self-harm to the emergency department of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. A retrospective chart review of 98 patients was carried out. The mean age of patients was 23.5 years. The majority were female, most had used drugs for deliberate self-harm. After initial treatment, 34 patients were admitted to the medical wards for further treatment, 12 were discharged, & 52 left against medical advice. The main reasons for leaving against medical advice were financial constraints & fear of legal issues. 7 patients had at least one previous episode of deliberate self-harm. (25 refs.)