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Self-mutilation induced by psychotropic substances: a systematic review
Maximilian Gahr1, Paul Lukas Plener, Markus Alexander Kölle
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany. maximilian.gahr@uni-ulm.de
Psychiatry Research
|July 31, 2012
Summary
Self-mutilation induced by psychotropic substances (SMIPS) often affects males and is linked to alcohol, hallucinogens, and amphetamines. Early identification of risk factors is crucial for intervention.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Toxicology
- Forensic Medicine
Background:
- Self-mutilation (SM) is observed in various psychiatric conditions.
- Psychotropic substances (PS) can also induce self-mutilation phenomena (SMIPS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify patient characteristics associated with SMIPS.
- To determine frequently used PS in SMIPS.
- To describe typical presentations of SMIPS.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review.
- Searched Medline, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scopus.
- Analyzed 26 cases of SM related to PS identified up to October 2011.
Main Results:
- 85% of patients were male, with a mean age of 30 years.
- Alcohol, hallucinogens, and amphetamines were the most frequently reported substances.
- Major impairment was present in 80% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Male sex, younger age, prior PS abuse, and current use of alcohol, hallucinogens, or amphetamines may favor SMIPS.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and develop targeted interventions.
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