Citation

McMahon GT, McGarry K. Ir. J. Med. Sci. 2001; 170(2): 94-7; discussion 90.

Affiliation

Department of Medicine, Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, Co Meath, Ireland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, General Publications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11491059

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In 1997, 433 people committed suicide in Ireland, one-quarter of whom were less than 24 years of age. AIM: To determine demographics, agent choice and source, suicidality and follow-up care of deliberate self-poisoning patients. METHOD: Details of 111 patients admitted to one hospital in 1997 following drug overdose were studied retrospectively. Eleven had been accidental ingestions, the remaining 100 were deliberate self-poisoning. RESULTS: Men accounted for 38% of the presentations and were more likely to have suicidal intent than women. An average of 2.3 different agents were used. Paracetamol was taken by 37%, hypnotics/anxiolytics by 33% and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories by 17%. Alcohol was consumed synchronously by 51% and 17% fulfilled criteria for alcohol dependency. One-third of patients were clinically depressed. All six patients requiring ventilation had consumed a combination of tricyclic antidepressants and alcohol. There were no deaths. CONCLUSION: Deliberate self-poisoning remains a significant problem. Paracetamol and alcohol use are particularly marked in this population. The combination of tricyclic antidepressant drugs and alcohol were the most dangerous.

Language: en