A retrospective study of self-inflicted burns.

A study was conducted of all 51 patients admitted on 64 occasions with self-inflicted burns to the Welsh Regional Burns Unit between January 1979 and January 1991. Two different groups of patients were identified, namely, patients who attempted suicide and patients with self-mutilative behavior. Their differences on a number of variables are described. At follow-up, no patient had subsequently committed suicide, but the majority of suicide attempters remained in contact with psychiatric services. In view of the considerable psychiatric morbidity of this patient group there is a need for consultation-liasion psychiatrists to provide a service to Burn Units.