Self poisoning. A review of patients seen in the Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow

Abstract

Seventy-three patients who had taken a deliberate overdose were seen over a six-week period. Self poisoning was found to be most common in females aged 20 to 29 years and in the unemployed (60%). Most patients had also taken alcohol (63%). The benzodiazepines were the most common drug taken (56%) and most drugs taken were prescribed by the patient's General Practitioner (G.P.) (81%). One-third of those involved had consulted their G.P. within one week of taking the overdose and 40 per cent had a history of previous self poisoning. Eighty-six per cent were admitted to the wards directly from the casualty department and of these, three-quarters were referred for a psychiatric opinion. Fourteen per cent of all patients seen were admitted for further treatment to a psychiatric hospital.