Trends in analgesic self-poisoning in West-Fife, 1971-1985.

Author(s): McMurray JJ, Northridge DB, Abernethy VA, Lawson AA

Affiliation(s): Acute Medical Unit, Milesmark Hospital, Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland.

Publication date & source: 1987-10, Q J Med., 65(246):835-43.

Publication type:

All admissions for analgesic self-poisoning to a district poisons unit over a 15-year period have been reviewed. During this time overdose with analgesic drugs increased to represent almost half of all admissions for self-poisoning. The types of analgesics taken in overdose also changed significantly during the period of this review. Aspirin and Distalgesic poisoning declined in incidence and more cases of self-poisoning by paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents were seen. The impact of these changes on the medical management and outcome of deliberate self-poisoning is analysed. The reasons behind the trends described in this paper are assessed and their implications for future prevention and treatment are discussed.