Self-inflicted burn injuries.

Self-inflicted burns are uncommon yet disturbing. A 9-year retrospective review of all admissions to the Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh Burn Center from 1987 to 1995 found 11 out of 1135 patients to have self-inflicted burns. Ten of these patients had a psychiatric diagnosis prior to injury: major depression in 6 cases, schizophrenia in 3 cases, and a personality disorder in 1 case. The other patient was diagnosed with major depression during her hospitalization. Escape from stress/sadness was the motive for 6 patients. Two were actually attempting suicide and 2 were motivated by hallucinations/delusions. On the basis of this review, we recommend that patients with an abnormal psychological profile--including suicidal ideation--be adequately monitored and regularly followed by appropriate mental health professionals. It is hoped that an awareness of the phenomena of self-destruction by burning will prevent these injuries in the future.