Citation

Irie Y, Nara T, Satoh K, Kameyama K, Kitamura T, Okuyama M, Nakae H. Burns Open 2021; 5(4): 29-35.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.burnso.2021.07.001

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Given the up to 70% fatality rate of self-immolation, with tragic consequences for survivors, proposals have been made for a global task force to prevent self-immolation. However, little research has recently been conducted on the actual situation of patients who attempt self-immolation in Japan. The current study aimed to investigate the actual situation of patients who attempt self-immolation in Akita Prefecture.

RESULT: Within Akita Prefecture, 13 individuals had attempted self-immolation in the past 5 years, with a predominance of a history of psychiatric disorders (46%). The following three novel findings were also revealed. First, patients with low a prognostic burn index tended to commit arson, while those with a high prognostic burn index tended to self-immolate. Second, patients attempting suicide tended to have a higher incidence of carbon monoxide poisoning. Third, those whose clothes caught on fire tended have more severe burns, regardless of whether suicide was attempted.

CONCLUSION: Self-immolation tends to be serious, and prevention is imperative. In Akita Prefecture, the percentage of patients with a history of psychiatric disorders may be higher than commonly believed, and a more detailed understanding of the mental state of self-immolation is necessary in the future to develop effective prevention measures. © 2021 The Author(s)

Language: en

Keywords

Psychiatric disorder; Carbon monoxide poisoning; Arson; Self-immolation; Clothes catching fire