Clinical and psychopathological models of self-immolation in men: a retrospective analysis of forensic psychiatric examinations

The aim of the study was to develop a clinical-psychopathological and clinical-expert typology of self-immolation in men based on a retrospective analysis of forensic psychiatric examinations. Eleven reports were analyzed (10 postmortem forensic psychiatric examinations and 1 outpatient forensic psychiatric examination). Five clinical profiles were identified within four models: psychotic, explosive-impulsive, depressive-affective, stress-maladaptive, and social-deprivation. Delusional symptoms were more often associated with sobriety at the time of the act, although this difference did not reach statistical significance given the small sample size (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.455). The proposed typology can be used as a tool for differentiated assessment in forensic psychiatric practice and for planning preventive measures.