Parasuicide: A forensic viewpoint

Parasuicidal acts are the acts of non-fatal deliberate self-harm. Information about such attempted suicides is scarce in the forensic literature because most of the incidents are officially unreported. Parasuicide could not be taken as a lighter entity because of the residual temporary or permanent disability it leaves. The investigation of risk factors for parasuicide is of immense importance in order to prevent further such attempts and also completed suicides. This review presents the risk factors, socio-demographic profile and methods opted for parasuicide. The presentation is concluded with an emphasis on the legal liabilities of parasuicide.