Clinical correlates of self-mutilation in Turkish male substance-dependent inpatients

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of self-mutilation (SM) in male substance-dependent inpatients, and to investigate the relationship of SM with childhood abuse and neglect, axis I disorders and personality disorders.

Participants were 112 consecutively admitted male substance dependents (56 alcohol and 56 drug). Substance dependence was diagnosed by means of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I, Turkish version). Patients were evaluated by the Childhood Abuse and Neglect Questionnaire, SCID-I, SCID-II, Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory.

Among substance-dependent patients, SM was found to be present in 33% (SM group). Mean age and educational status were lower in the SM group. Moreover rates of being single, history of childhood physical and emotional abuse and neglect, suicide attempt history and personality disorder were higher. Mean depression and anxiety scores were also higher in the SM group. Personality disorder, physical abuse, suicide attempt history and drug dependency were predictors for SM.

SM is more common in drug dependents than alcohol dependents. Also results of this study suggest that among Turkish substance dependents SM might be related to the presence of personality disorder and childhood physical abuse and suicide attempts.