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[Self-aggressive behaviors in the emergency service]
M I Hidalgo Rodrigo1, M Santiago Guervos, B García Serna
1Hospital Nuestra Sra. de Sonsoles, Avila.
Atencion Primaria
|January 1, 1994
Summary
This study analyzed self-harm incidents in a hospital casualty department. Emotional disturbances and personality disorders were the primary drivers of self-damaging behavior.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Emergency Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Self-damaging acts present a significant challenge in emergency departments.
- Understanding the characteristics of these acts is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize individuals presenting to a casualty department following self-harm.
- To identify demographic, diagnostic, and treatment-related factors associated with self-harm.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive, retrospective study was conducted.
- Data were collected from 62 cases attending the Avila Hospital Casualty Department over two years.
- Evaluated characteristics included demographics, referral source, method of harm, diagnosis, arrival time, and disposition.
Main Results:
- The most frequent method of self-harm was drug ingestion (72.6%).
- Women (56.4%) predominantly had emotional, personality, and adaptive disorders.
- Men (43.5%) were more frequently diagnosed with schizophrenia and substance abuse/dependence, presenting with more severe cases.
- Over half (53.2%) required psychiatric admission.
Conclusions:
- Emotional disturbances and personality disorders are the leading causes of self-damaging behavior.
- Gender differences in diagnostic profiles and severity of self-harm were observed.