Autopsy study of fatal deliberate self harm.
A retrospective autopsy study of fatal deliberate self harm (FDSH) was undertaken in the mortuary of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, Southern India over a period of 12 years (1993-2004). Out of 1917 cases autopsied, 21.2% were deaths due to deliberate self harm (DSH). The male sex (66.1%) and victims in the third decade of life (35.9%) predominated. More than two-thirds of the decedents were married. More fatalities were observed during the winter season (35.8%) and in the day time (62.2%). Dispair with life (61.9%) was the most common motive for FDSH. The majority of fatalities were due to poisoning (73.5%), where organophosphorous compounds topped the list (71.9%). About one-third of the victims survived for 18 to 24 hours after DSH.
Arun
M
M
Department of Forensic Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, 576104, India. madhu255@yahoo.com
Palimar
Vikram
V
Menezes
Ritesh G
RG
Babu
Y P Raghavendra
YP
Bhagavath
Prashantha
P
Mohanty
Manoj Kumar
MK
D000328:Adult; D001344:Autopsy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013405:Suicide