Self-Harm in India: Study Links Suicide Attempts and NSSI to Mental Health Disorders

India: A recent secondary analysis examining cases of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicide attempts has shed light on the patterns and clinical characteristics of individuals presenting with self-harm at a tertiary care hospital. The Indian study, published in the Cureus Journal, identified distinct differences between suicide attempts and NSSI.     

The researchers reported that suicide attempts were most prevalent among individuals aged 31–40 years, with depressive disorder identified in 68.7% of cases. In contrast, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) was more common in the 18–30 age group and was frequently linked to substance use disorder (67.1%). They further noted that self-poisoning was the most commonly used method, possibly due to insufficient pesticide regulations.

The researchers note that self-harm encompasses both suicide attempts and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), each associated with psychiatric disorders and psychosocial stressors. While suicide attempts reflect an intent to end one’s life, NSSI often functions as a maladaptive coping strategy. In India, the stigma surrounding mental health and limited access to psychiatric care pose significant barriers to early intervention.

Against the above background, Kashyap Shah, Psychiatry, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College, Indore, IND, and colleagues examined the patterns of self-harm, underlying psychiatric comorbidities, and key risk factors among patients seeking care at a tertiary hospital, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted a retrospective review of medical records from 165 patients who presented with suicide attempts or non-suicidal self-injury between January and June 2024. They analyzed data on demographics, psychiatric diagnoses, self-harm methods, and substance use using both descriptive and inferential statistical approaches.

Based on the study, the researchers reported the following findings:

  • Among the 165 cases, 69 involved suicide attempts, while 96 were cases of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI).
  • Suicide attempts were more prevalent in individuals aged 31–40 years, whereas NSSI was more common in the 18–30 age group.
  • Depressive disorder was the most frequent diagnosis among those who attempted suicide, affecting 55 individuals (68.7%).
  • Substance use disorder was more commonly associated with NSSI, reported in 51 individuals (67.1%).
  • Self-poisoning was the most frequently used method, possibly due to weak pesticide regulations in India.
  • A significant association was observed between suicide intent and a history of past suicide attempts.

This study emphasizes the link between non-suicidal self-injury, suicide attempts, and shared risk factors. Early intervention is key to managing self-harm and preventing suicide. Immediate priorities include medical stabilization and a thorough suicide risk assessment.

The authors stressed that addressing psychosocial risks, administering appropriate pharmacotherapy for co-existing mental illnesses, and implementing structured post-discharge care are crucial in reducing self-harm and suicide risk.

They concluded that targeted interventions, including early screening and restricting access to harmful substances, could significantly improve mental health outcomes and alleviate the burden of self-harm.

Reference:

Shah K, Mathur R, Mishra S, et al. (March 17, 2025) Non-suicidal Self-Injury and Suicide Attempts: A Secondary Analysis Describing the Patterns and Clinical Characteristics of Patients Presenting With Self-Harm to a Tertiary Care Hospital. Cureus 17(3): e80715. DOI 10.7759/cureus.80715

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Stroke Patients with Artery Dissection Face Greater Risks with IV Thrombolysis: Study Finds

Japan: A recent study has highlighted the potential risks and outcomes associated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) who have underlying intracranial artery dissection (IAD). The nationwide study found that patients with AIS and IAD face a threefold higher risk of intracranial hemorrhage following intravenous thrombolysis.

“While IAD did not increase in-hospital mortality, we observed a significant reduction in the chances of achieving functional independence at discharge. These findings highlight the importance of thorough risk assessment before administering IVT to patients with IAD, ensuring a more informed and cautious approach to treatment,” the researchers wrote in the International Journal of Stroke.

IVT is a widely used AIS treatment aiming to restore blood flow and minimize neurological damage. However, its safety in patients with underlying intracranial artery dissection remains uncertain due to the structural fragility of the dissected artery. This raises concerns about potential complications, including intramural hematoma exacerbation and arterial rupture, making it crucial to carefully evaluate the risks before administering IVT in such cases.

Given these potential risks, Yuichi Imanaka, Department of Health Security System, Center for Health Security, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan, and colleagues aimed to determine whether IAD is associated with an increased likelihood of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) following IVT and to assess its impact on functional outcomes.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted a retrospective matched-pair cohort study using a nationwide inpatient database in Japan, including AIS patients treated with IVT from 2010 to 2024. They excluded cases with carotid or vertebral artery dissections, missing mRS data, or prior intra-arterial thrombolysis. Patients with IAD were matched 1:4 with non-IAD controls based on key clinical factors. Outcomes, including ICH, functional independence at discharge (mRS 0–2), and in-hospital mortality, were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for demographic, clinical, and hospital-related variables.

The key findings of the study were as follows:

  • Among 83,139 AIS patients treated with IVT, 242 (0.3%) had underlying IAD (median age: 54 years; 34% women). These patients were matched with 968 non-IAD controls.
  • IAD was linked to a higher risk of ICH (OR = 3.18).
  • Patients with IAD had a lower likelihood of functional independence at discharge (OR = 0.51).
  • IAD was not associated with increased in-hospital mortality (OR = 1.09).

“The findings suggest that patients with underlying intracranial artery dissection have a higher risk of intracranial hemorrhage and a lower likelihood of functional recovery after intravenous thrombolysis compared to those without IAD,” the researchers concluded.

Reference:

Egashira, S., Kunisawa, S., Koga, M., Ihara, M., Tsuruta, W., Uesaka, Y., Fushimi, K., Toda, T., & Imanaka, Y. (2025). Safety and outcomes of intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke with intracranial artery dissection. International Journal of Stroke. https://doi.org/10.1177/17474930251317326

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Women are overtaking men in the most extreme sports events, study shows

Much of the work devoted to exploring potential sex-specific differences in exercise or sports performance has been derived from laboratory-based studies. While these studies are typically well-controlled and guide an understanding of physiological mechanisms, they may lack pragmatic or practical relevance to the “real world.”

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Heart disease deaths worldwide linked to chemical widely used in plastics

Daily exposure to certain chemicals used to make plastic household items could be linked to more than 365,000 global deaths from heart disease in 2018 alone, a new analysis of population surveys shows.

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Risk-factor changes could prevent the majority of sudden cardiac arrests

A new study identifying 56 non-clinical risk factors associated with sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), spanning lifestyle, physical measures, psychosocial factors, socioeconomic status, and the local environment, offers compelling evidence that improving these unfavorable profiles could prevent up to 63% of SCA cases.

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Virologists issue urgent call to global action as H5N1 avian flu threat rises

The Global Virus Network (GVN), representing eminent human and animal virologists from 80+ Centers of Excellence and Affiliates in 40+ countries, has published a comprehensive analysis and call-to-action in The Lancet Regional Health—Americas on the North American avian influenza virus, or H5N1, outbreak.

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High blood sugar in adolescence triples the risk of premature heart damage, study shows

Persistently high blood sugar and insulin resistance significantly increased the risk of worsening functional and structural heart damage during growth from adolescence to young adulthood, a new study shows.

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UP: 26-year-old nurse allegedly commits suicide with overdose of anaesthesia

Shahjahanpur: In an unfortunate incident, a 26-year-old nurse allegedly committed suicide by giving herself an overdose of anaesthesia at her house on the campus of a private medical college in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur, police said on Monday.

According to a UNI report, Superintendent of Police Rajesh Dwivedi said Aarti Deval completed her nursing course from Varun Arjun Medical College, a private institute in Tilhar area of the district. She was employed at the medical college and stayed in a house on its campus. 

When she did not report for duty on Monday, her colleagues went to her residence and saw that the room door was locked from inside, police said.

Also Read:25-year-old nurse stabbed to death in Patna

Police reached the spot and broke open the door to find Deval’s body.

According to a Amar Ujala news report, the victim’s father, Mahesh Deval, said that his daughter Aarti Deval worked as a staff nurse in Varun Arjun Medical College. She lived in room number 44 on the first floor of the girls’ hostel. He used to talk to his daughter daily. He called his daughter Aarti at 7 am on Monday, but she did not pick up the phone.

According to the initial investigation, she took an excessive dose of anaesthesia, which led to her death, an officer said, reports UNI.

The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and the reason behind Deval taking the extreme step is being ascertained, he added.

Also Read:25-year-old Bhopal nurse kills self with overdose of anesthesia

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Fact Check: Can Drinking Raisin Water Purify Blood in 30-45 Days?

An Instagram post claims that Drinking Raisin Water Can Purify Blood in 30-45 Days. The claim is FALSE.

Claim

In an Instagram post, it is claimed that Drinking Raisin Water Can Purify Blood in 30-45 Days. The post by user knowledgebyfact says, “Drinking raisin water daily with empty stomach for 30–45 days. It helps to remove acne / pimples providing glowing skin. It works as a blood purifier.”

The post can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim is FALSE. There is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to back the claim by the user that Drinking Raisin Water Can Purify Blood in 30-45 Days.

How is blood purified?

The kidneys are essential for blood purification, filtering about half a cup of blood every minute to remove waste and excess water, which are excreted as urine.

When kidney function fails, blood purification is carried out through specialized therapies outside the body. These treatments, used when standard methods like medication or surgery are insufficient, eliminate toxins and harmful substances from the bloodstream via techniques such as dialysis, filtration, or adsorption. These methods act rapidly and are primarily used in three medical scenarios: emergency situations (e.g., plasmapheresis to remove toxins), life-sustaining treatments (e.g., hemodialysis for kidney failure), and managing immune or metabolic conditions (e.g., immunoadsorption for autoimmune disorders).

What are the Health Benefits of Raisins?

Raisins are a nutritious snack with a low-to-moderate glycemic index, making them a healthy option for maintaining blood sugar levels. They are linked to better diet quality and may help reduce appetite. The phenolic compounds in raisins give them antioxidant properties, which can support cardiovascular health. Additionally, raisins promote good oral health due to their antibacterial effects, low adherence to teeth, and ability to maintain an optimal oral pH. While raisins appear to have benefits for colon function, further research is needed to fully understand their impact.

Can Drinking Raisin Water Purify Blood?

While raisins offer nutritional benefits, there is no scientific evidence that raisin water can purify, detoxify or cleanse the blood that too in in 30-45 Days. Hence, the claim by user is FALSE

Raisins, packed with natural sugars, fiber, and antioxidants, have been increasingly recognized for their potential role in promoting overall well-being. A review published in the Journal of Nutrition and Health reported that consuming raisins, when compared to other carbohydrate-rich snacks with equal caloric value, can lead to reductions in LDL (bad) cholesterol and blood pressure, and is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Similarly, Raisins offer a wide range of health benefits. A study by Margaret J. Schuster et. al. found that consuming raisins offers several health benefits, contributing to overall wellness and helping prevent various chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal disorders, and dental caries.

Raisins offer some health benefits and may aid in preventing certain chronic conditions, but no scientific evidence or medical consensus supports the user’s claim that raisin water can purify the blood.

In a conversation with Dr Poojitha Byreddy, Senior Haematologist, CARE Hospitals, Hi-tech City, Hyderabad, she said, “Some people believe that drinking raisin water can clean or ‘purify’ the blood in 30 to 45 days, but there is no medical proof for this. Our body already has a natural way of removing waste and toxins through the liver and kidneys. While raisins do have healthy nutrients like iron and antioxidants, raisin water alone cannot clean your blood.

It’s important to remember that no single food or drink can change how your blood works. Eating a balanced diet and staying healthy is more effective. Always talk to a doctor if you have any concerns about your blood.”

Dr Imran Khan, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine, CARE Hospitals, Musheerabad, Hyderabad said, “Raisin water might help with digestion and give your body some energy, but it won’t ‘purify’ your blood. The idea that a drink can clean your blood is a common myth and not backed by science. Your liver and kidneys already do that job naturally every day. Good health doesn’t come from just one drink. It comes from eating a variety of healthy foods, drinking enough water, and staying active. If you are worried about your health or have specific problems, it’s best to speak with a doctor rather than relying on home remedies.”

Medical Dialogues Final Take

The claim that drinking raisin water can “purify the blood” is false. Raisin water may offer hydration and health benefits. However, the claim that it can purify blood in 30-45 Days is not supported by any scientific evidence or medical consensus.

Hence, the claim is FALSE.

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Jharkhand HC stays Government’s order to remove RIMS Director

Ranchi: The Jharkhand High Court on Monday stayed the state government’s order removing Dr Raj Kumar as the Director of the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, with immediate effect. 

The court observed that the manner in which Dr Raj Kumar was removed was legally untenable, stating that a stigmatic order could not be issued without following due process, news agency PTI reported.

On April 17, Jharkhand Health Minister and RIMS Governing Council Chairman Irfan Ansari issued an order relieving Dr Raj Kumar from his post.

The government order cited alleged non-compliance with directives issued by the Council of Ministers, the Governing Council, and the Health Department, and described his service as Director as unsatisfactory.

Also Read:Former RIMS Director Moves HC over Dismissal

Referring to the RIMS manual, the government order stated that Dr Raj Kumar was being removed with immediate effect, with three months’ salary and allowances. It also mentioned that the decision had the approval of Chief Minister Hemant Soren.

Dr Raj Kumar challenged the removal in the High Court. In a strongly worded reaction, he termed the move “autocratic” and said he was taken by surprise.

Hearing the petition on Monday, Justice Deepak Roshan stayed the government’s order and issued notices to the state government and other parties, seeking replies through affidavits, reports PTI.

The court remarked that proper procedure must be followed for such removal, emphasising that no individual can be dismissed in a stigmatising manner without being heard.

The next hearing is scheduled for May 6.

The sudden removal of Dr Raj Kumar from the post of RIMS Director had sparked a major political controversy in Jharkhand.

Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, Babulal Marandi, alleged that Dr Raj Kumar was ousted for refusing to clear payments of several crores of rupees to private diagnostic centres under pressure from the Health Minister and officials.

Dr Raj Kumar was appointed RIMS Director on January 31, 2024. Prior to that, he served as a professor in the Department of Neurology at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that Former Director of the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, Dr. Rajkumar, has approached the Jharkhand High Court seeking justice after his abrupt removal from the post. In his petition, he has strongly contested the allegations that led to his removal, calling them entirely baseless and unjust.

Also Read:RIMS Director removed after Governing Body order

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