Self-inflicted upper limb injuries in a tertiary care rural Plastic Surgery unit - A psychiatric evaluation

Background: Deliberate self-harm patients (DSH) with upper limb injuries are commonly admitted in the plastic surgery units. Psychiatric comorbidities are risk factors for these patients with self-inflicted injuries. A multidisciplinary team approach is needed. Methods: Patients who presented with self-inflicted upper limb injuries in the plastic surgery department were referred for psychiatric liaison services. Socio-demographic data, mode of injury, plastic surgical procedures, and psychiatry diagnosis were noted. Results and discussion: Out of 48 patients, 20 (41.6%) belong to the 21-30 age group, 30 (62.5%) were males. 43 (89.6%) patients needed major plastic surgery procedures. The major psychiatric comorbidities were depressive disorder (27.1%), adjustment disorder (16.6%), alcohol dependence syndrome (14.6%), and bipolar mood disorder (12.5%). High psychiatric morbidity among self-inflicted hand injuries suggests the need for a multidisciplinary approach and long term follow-up. Conclusion: Psychiatric liaison services are important in the treatment of self-inflicted upper limb injuries.