Self-inflicted burns

Over a 3-year period 17 people were admitted for intentionally self-inflicted burns. The mean total body surface area burn was 29.5%, and 59% of the patients sustained an inhalation injury. Two patients died from their injuries (one male and one female). The method most often used (59%) was a flammable liquid ignited by a flame. Of those patients, 50% used gasoline. Fifty-nine percent of the patients were current substance abusers, with alcohol (80%) being the favored drug. Aside from substance abuse, psychiatric abnormalities were present in 53% of the patients. Schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorders was the primary psychiatric diagnosis (44%), with most patients having undergone previous psychiatric treatment. All had diagnosed disorders (using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual III--Revised) including substance abuse and/or other psychiatric disorders. Actual stated suicidal intent was present in 41% of the cases, and another 41% were irrational attempts to escape from or control emotional pain.