Psychiatric Comorbidities among Individuals with Frequent Self-Harm Episodes in Patient with Substance Abuse Disorders

Abstract Background: There is an increased risk of self-harm and psychiatric disorders among individuals with Substance Abuse Disorders. Concurrent physical and mental illness further accelerates the incidence of self-harm and suicide. Objective: To study psychiatric comorbidities among individuals with frequent self-harm episodes in patient with substance abuse disorders Methods: A sample of 100 male patients fulfilling DSM 5 criteria of substance use disorder in outpatient Psychiatry Department were selected. A semi-structured proforma for collecting data on socio-demographic profile, clinical presentation, legal complications, events preceding. MINI and DSHI were administered to the study population. Descriptive Statistics were used for the Socio-Demographic Variables. Correlation of the final scores with the disease severity was carried out using relevant statistical test. Results: The mean age of patients was 35.40 ±10.964 years, the most frequent substance use combination was Alcohol, Nicotine, and Cannabis, accounting for 24% of the cases. 69% had experienced substance use disorder for a duration of 0 to 5 years. Among those had a trigger, family problems were the most frequent, accounting for 15% of the cases. Conclusion: High prevalence of deliberate self-harm (DSH) and psychiatric comorbidities among male patients with substance use disorders (SUD). younger age, being unmarried or separated, unemployment, lower educational attainment, and urban residence were significantly associated with self-harming behavior. Family-related issues and interpersonal conflicts emerged as the most frequent psychosocial triggers for DSH.