title: Suicide by poisoning in New Zealand--a toxicological analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Determine major substances and risk factors for suicide by chemical overdose in New Zealand between 2001 and 2005.
  
  
  METHODS
  All intentional deaths between 2001 and 2005 were reviewed. Primary substances causing death were verified from toxicology reports.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The chemical suicide rate was higher among older Europeans, women and those in paid work than other groups. Carbon monoxide and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) continue to be the most common chemicals used, in spite of market changes. Anaesthetics and cyanide deaths among workers were noted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Restricted access to work-related chemicals and stricter prescription/dispensing controls for TCAs may reduce self-poisoning in New Zealand.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, Porirua, New Zealand. lou.gallagher@fda.hhs.com
authors.forename: Lou M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Gallagher
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kappatos
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tisch
authors.forename: Pete M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Ellis
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000506:poisoning; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000506:poisoning; D044466:Asian People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002249:Carbon Monoxide Poisoning / Q000401:mortality; D002423:Cause of Death; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000401:mortality*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000506:poisoning; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009294:Narcotics / Q000506:poisoning; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D011041:Poisoning / Q000401:mortality*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013405:Suicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014116:Toxicology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014478:Unemployment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D009294:Narcotics