Drugs taken in fatal and non-fatal self-poisoning: a study in south London.
This study compared the number and type of substances taken in deliberate self-poisoning with fatal (n = 127) and non-fatal (n = 521) outcome. The aims were (i) to describe substances typically involved in self-poisoning in England and Wales, (ii) to examine the role of drug "cocktails' and (iii) to examine whether toxic substances are over-represented in cases with fatal outcome. Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics, minor tranquillizers and antidepressants accounted for about 70% of substances taken, irrespective of outcome. Compared with survivors, cases who died had taken a higher mean number of substances. Among self-poisonings with a single substance, antidepressants and paracetamol-opiate combinations were over-represented in fatal-outcome cases. This report emphasizes the role of OTC analgesics and antidepressants in overdose-related mortality in England and Wales.
Neeleman
J
J
Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College Hospital London, UK.
Wessely
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000700:Analgesics / Q000506:poisoning*; D002423:Cause of Death; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000401:mortality*; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008131:London / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009294:Narcotics / Q000506:poisoning; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000506:poisoning*; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000506:poisoning*; D013405:Suicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D000700:Analgesics; D009294:Narcotics; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs