Clinical Correlates of Depression in Deliberate Self Harm of Adults

Dr. M. Arunvenkatesh

Abstract: Background: Adult deliberate self harm is an important health problem. It is the 5th common cause of death. Suicidees show varieties of alterations in neurophysiology of brain. The study shows correlation between Depression and Deliberate self harm and also Psychosocial factors. Materials and methods: The study has a sample size of 50 and a cross sectional survey study. Patients with deliberate self harm attending Psychiatry OPD are screened for Depression as well as psychosocial factors like family H/O Suicide, Family H/O mental illness and other stressors are studied. Results: A stringent criterion for depression is made with ICD-10 criteria. Suicide intent is assessed with suicide rating scales and a negative view about the world is an important factor in adult suicide attempt. Conclusion: There is a strong correlation between depressive illness and deliberate self harm in adults while psychosocial factors contributing to both.

Keywords: Depression, Social factors, adult suicide attempt