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Suicides on the rise, patients go untreated to avoid costs

KARACHI: An Aga Khan University study has underlined the need for preventive strategies in Suicidal Behavior and Deliberate Self-Harm (DSH) cases, especially since medical resources available in Pakistan are limited. The majority of patients being treated for Deliberate Self-Harm discontinue their treatment. The study indicates that many such patients are forced to do so because of financial constraints. The study was conducted by Dr Shahid, under the AKU Departments of Psychiatry and Medicine.

The minimum cost of treatment for discharged and admitted patients ranges from Rs 615 to Rs 101,710. As many as 28 percent of patients cited financial constraints as their main reason for discontinuing treatment.

“Left untreated, psychological issues are likely to resurface. There is a high risk that these patients would attempt to harm themselves again,” the study said. Resources are limited, and as most patients must finance treatment themselves, preventive strategies are important.

Deliberate self-harm is a manifestation of underlying psychological issues, research has shown. Compromised social status, untreated depression and socio-economic distress are universal causes. In Pakistan, gender issues also play a significant role. ppi

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