A STUDY OF DELIBERATE SELF-POISONING IN A DUBLIN HOSPITAL 1986-1990

Objective: The study was undertaken to determine the current demograph ic and clinical features of cases of deliberate self-poisoning (DSP) p resenting to an acute general hospital and to compare the findings wit h previous work in Ireland and elsewhere. Method: Four hundred and six ty seven consecutive admissions for DSP presenting to a Dublin hospita l between 1986 and 1990 inclusive were identified retrospectively and the case notes reviewed. Data was collected on age, sex. marital statu s, past history, date of DSP. drugs used. motivating factors and outco me. Results: The peak age of DSP was 15-24 years. The female:male rati o was 1.5:1. There was an increased incidence of DSP in women in July and August. In 32% there was a previous history of DSP. Benzodiazepine s, antidepressants and analgesics/anti-inflammatories were the commone st drugs taken. There was a significant medical complication in 10.5% of cases, but no fatalities. Twenty-five percent of patients were subs equently admitted to psychiatric inpatient care. Conclusions: DSP is a n ongoing problem. The summer peak in females may be related to the pa renting burden during the summer recess. The high rate of repetition s uggests a significant reduction could be achieved with successful stra tegies for secondary prevention. The high rate of psychiatric in-patie nt referral may be related to a low threshold for admissions to Irish psychiatric hospitals.