Lessons To Be Learned: Identifying High-Risk Medication and Circumstances In Patients At Risk For Suicidal Self-Poisoning
Abstract BackgroundAlthough the total number of suicides decreased since the beginning of the 80s, the number of suicide-related behaviors using self-intoxication increased. Therefore, research on the characteristics of individuals committing self-intoxication becomes of growing importance for risk assessments and the development of preventive measures. MethodsIn this prospective, observational, monocentric cohort study, all incoming calls at our Poisons Control Centre reporting suicide-related behavior through self-intoxication, were analyzed via a standardized questionnaire over 12 months. Both univariate and bivariate analyses were performed.Results1238 cases of deliberate intoxication were included in the study. The majority of cases occurred in the age group between 18 and 44 (n=607/49%), two-thirds were female (n=817/66%). The main substances used were antidepressants (n=420/34%), peripheral analgesics (n=322/26%) and neuroleptics (n=282/23%). The majority of patients ingested substances from their prescribed medication (n=640/82%) with the highest proportion in the eldest (n=72/113; 91%, p<0.001). Addiction was reported for the minority of patients (n=175/23%). For 704 cases (57%), a psychiatric diagnosis was documented. Factors associated with recurrent suicide-related behaviors were: i) an underlying psychiatric diagnosis (OR=6.2; 95% CI 3.8-10.4); ii) addiction problems (OR=2.4; 95% CI 1.5-3.8); iii) ingestion of neuroleptics (OR=2.1, 95%-CI 1.4-3.0) or antidepressants (OR=1.6; 95% CI 1.2-2.3).ConclusionThis study might contribute to identifying individuals with an increased risk of suicide-related behaviors and to developing preventive strategies for future suicide attempt(s).