Are non-fatal opioid overdoses misclassified suicide attempts? Comparing the associated correlates.
This paper aimed to determine whether non-fatal opioid overdose and suicide attempts are distinct behaviours by examining the histories of 1500 opioid-dependent individuals. This paper utilised data collected as part of a large retrospective case-control study. Unintentional non-fatal opioid overdoses were more common than suicide attempts (58% vs. 32%). Overall, the correlates associated with a history of attempted suicide only and non-fatal opioid overdose only were different. Drug-related risk behaviours (including high impulsivity, injection of opioids, sedative dependence) were associated with non-fatal opioid overdose; and a history of mental disorders (depression, anxiety disorder, and screening positive for borderline personality disorder (BPD+) were associated with suicide attempts. Additionally, those who reported a history of both behaviours had a more severe clinical profile including excessive drug use, psychological disorders and childhood trauma. The study concluded that non-fatal opioid overdose and attempted suicide are distinct clinically significant problems that require different approaches for prevention. Additionally, if both behaviours are reported a thorough assessment of underlying comorbid problems should be initiated by treatment services.
Maloney
Elizabeth
E
National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia. e.maloney@unsw.edu.au
Degenhardt
Louisa
L
Darke
Shane
S
Nelson
Elliot C
EC
D000328:Adult; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009294:Narcotics / Q000506:poisoning*; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000145:classification / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D009294:Narcotics