Self poisoning: who supplies the drugs? 100 examples.

  • 26 March 1980
    • journal article
    • Vol. 91  (656) , 218-21
Abstract
One hundred self-poisoners, consecutively referred to the psychiatric liaison service at Auckland Hospital were questioned regarding the source of the substances taken, the taking of regular medication and their last contact with a doctor. In total, 82 percent took legitimately prescribed medications, in 67 cases prescribed for themselves, while 12 percent bought over-the-counter preparations. Alcohol was associated in one-third of all cases. In one half of all cases the substance ingested had been prescribed at the last visit to a doctor. These patients were statistically more likely to be depressed, to be taking regular medication and to have taken a previous overdose. Two-thirds of all cases had seen a doctor no more than a month prior to self-poisoning.

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