Algeria, from social issue to self-immolation; autopsy of a “fashionable” suicide

Abstract

Introduction

Self-immolation has been practised for several centuries in some cultures. Tolerated by Mahayana Buddhism and Hinduism. It is practised for many reasons: Sati (rituals), political protests, devotion and renouncement. In addition, it is also observed in some warrior cultures, like Rajputs.

The self-immolation trend began in Tunisia during government protests (“Arab spring” revolution) when a man named Bouazizi set himself on fire and died. Fiery copycat suicides spread throughout other countries. Algeria has also discovered this form of protest and faced a wave of self-immolation considered by some commentators to have reached epidemic proportions.

Objective

Our goal is to show the kind of support that political and health authorities, with the help of psychiatrists, are trying to set up in order to achieve efficient prevention.

Methods

In a case-control study, 20 consecutive case of deliberate self-inflicted burns admitted to the regional burn centre (Douera Hospital, Algeria) were compared with 20 controls who were selected from the community and matched by sex, age and living area. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM IV) Axis I (clinical disorders) and Axis II (personality and mental retardation) diagnoses were assessed via detailed clinical interview.

Results

There have been 69 cases of self-immolation, with an average age of 26 including 87% of men and from which 13% with a psychiatric history. Unemployment and housing crisis are the most common causes. Here, we will provide specific explanations about our country.

Conclusion

It turns out that self-immolation is an extreme form of protest against the social malaise to make things change and does not due in the most cases to mental disease.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.