prevalence of self injury in persons referred to forensic medicine

although self injury is a common phenomena seen in persons who are referred to forensic medicine, sometimes attempts to injury oneself cause many problems for the patients and makes it difficult for physicians to make a precise diagnosis. there are two kinds of self injury: pathologic (due to mental disorders) and malingering (planned). the results of this study showed that of 1500 individuals referred to forensic medicine department in kerman province, 1.7% definitely and 4.7% probably had intentionally attempted to injure themselves. most prevalent self harming behaviors were seen in individuals in their thirties (9.6%), married (4.6%), with secondary level of education and unemployed. the most area which were involved were head and face (36 cases), body (34 cases) and trunk (16 cases). the instruments which were mostly used to inflict injury were cutting tools and sharp objects.