Citation

Sinani F, Vyshka G, Ymaj B. Forensic Sci. Int. 2011; 206(1-3): e1-4.

Affiliation

Institute of Forensic Medicine, Tirana, Albania.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.06.002

PMID

20591587

Abstract

Distinguishing deliberate self-inflicted body damage from assault represents a challenge to the forensic expert. Identifying a wound as self-inflicted can be particularly difficult in emergency room situations. We present the case of an individual who self-inflicted three bullet wounds, allegedly related to a shooting incident. This individual was lacking any overt psychopathology. When confronted with the facts, he confessed and explained his motivation. It is known that self-mutilation behavior can be related to particular, well systematized psychiatric disorders. However, in the absence of such a diagnosis, every suspicious wound should be carefully considered by the forensic expert as potentially self-inflicted with the intent by the "victim" of obtaining secondary gains.

Language: en