Self-Inflicted Burns

Abstract

Suicide attempts by self-immolation are relatively rare in North America, but the physical, psychological, and social effects on the patients, families, and staff are significant. An understanding of the characteristics of the self-inflicted burn population is imperative to better inform acute, postacute, and long-term care. The goal of the present systematic review is to summarize existing literature findings on self-inflicted burns in the United States. Seven databases were searched for articles published between 1970 and 2011 in the English language, which investigated self-burning. Thirty-two articles met selection criteria for inclusion. Review of the literature revealed that published studies on self-inflicted burns are scarce, inconclusive, and weak in design. Most studies contained limited contextual information and limited data on the long-term outcomes of survivors of self-inflicted burn injuries. Despite lack of consistency in data-collection methods and contradictory findings across studies, this review provides insight into both the characteristics of self-immolators and the context in which self-immolation events occur. A picture emerged of a group of individuals who act impulsively in the context of psychiatric and or alcohol/drug disorder, and individuals who may be reacting to stressful life events and loss. Although sparse, the existing data examining long-term outcomes in the self-inflicted burn population indicate that survivors can be successfully rehabilitated, provided that early and intense psychiatric and social interventions are in place. Future investigations are needed to further inform the development of best practices for every phase of treatment and recovery of self-inflicted burn survivors.

Repetitive urges to inflict burns: An unusual presentation of impulse control disorder

“…The self-harming behaviors often occur in the context of personality disorder or substance use disorder, or as reaction to stressful life events. [6] These conditions were ruled out after a thorough history and assessment.…”

An Introduction to Burn Care: The Sequel

“…Further, the complexity of this group of patients has a major impact on their care: Nurses who care for these patients for long periods experience increased stress and disorganization, including the fear of a new suicide attempt by the patient. 79 Honor killings, which may involve male family members setting a woman on fire as punishment for violating the family honor, are not uncommon in certain parts of the world and within certain societies and religions. 80 Inflicting burns is also sometimes used as non-religionrelated revenge.…”

“…Burns as a result of self-immolation typically lead to injuries that are larger than average and need prolonged admission times. Further, the complexity of this group of patients has a major impact on their care: Nurses who care for these patients for long periods experience increased stress and disorganization, including the fear of a new suicide attempt by the patient 79 …”

Suicide and self-harm by burns in Pakistan: a scoping review protocol

“…There are few systematic reviews and meta-analyses on suicidal burns from various parts of the world. [11][12][13][14] These reviews revealed that the highest prevalence of suicidal burns is found in South Asian and Eastern Mediterranean countries, including India, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. In these studies, women represent many cases of suicidal burning with high mortality.…”