Citation

Kotwica M, Czerczak S. Vet. Hum. Toxico. 2002; 44(4): 248-250.

Affiliation

National Poison Information Centre, Department of Scientific Information, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, American College of Veterinary Toxicologists)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12136978

Abstract

Data on self poisonings in children < l5 y of age from all over Poland are not available. An analysis of intentional poisonings among juveniles < 15 y of age in the city of Lodz in 1991-1995 was done. Intentional poisonings accounted for over 14% of total poisonings in children < 15 y of age. Self-poisonings in 9-11 and 12-15 y old, accounted for 5.2% and 86.8%, respectively, of the total juvenile intentional poisonings. They were more frequent in girls (80.8%) than boys (19.2%). Drugs were the most common agents (93%), of which 56% were sleep-inducing and psychotropic drugs. The dominating reasons for attempts were family and school problems, and impaired social relations. The high number of these poisonings indicates impaired parent-child relationship and resulting difficulties in social adaptation. The wide use of sleep-inducing and psychotropic drugs by adults makes these medicines more accessible.

Language: en