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Published on: February 23, 2024
Self-inflicted burns: a case series.
Antony Henderson1, Aruna Wijewardena, Jeff Streimer
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Sydney, Royal North Shore Hospital, Reserve Rd, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia. drafhenderson@yahoo.com.au
Burns : Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
|August 22, 2012
Summary
Recurrent self-inflicted burns are rare but resource-intensive. Borderline personality disorder patients with a history of abuse often use burns to manage distress, benefiting from consistent psychiatric and surgical care.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Burn Medicine
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Self-inflicted burns (SIBs) are a significant clinical challenge, often requiring psychiatric referral.
- While most SIB patients are treated successfully, a subset experiences recurrent injuries, necessitating further investigation.
Observation:
- A study of 1442 burn patients (2004-2011) identified 40 cases of SIBs (2.8%).
- Five patients (0.4%) had a history of recurrent SIBs, all diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and other self-harm behaviors.
- These patients utilized SIBs to regulate psychological distress, often linked to childhood abuse (emotional neglect, physical/sexual abuse).
Findings:
- Patients engaging in regular psychotherapy reported better emotional control and longer periods without self-inflicted burns.
- Recurrent SIBs, though infrequent, consume substantial clinical resources due to their severity and repeated nature.
Implications:
- A coordinated treatment pathway integrating surgical and psychiatric services is crucial for managing recurrent SIB patients.
- Early identification and consistent, long-term psychiatric support can improve outcomes and reduce resource utilization for this vulnerable population.
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