Citation

Bjornaas MA, Hovda KE, Heyerdahl F, Ekeberg O, Skog K, Drottning P, Opdahl A, Jacobsen D. Psychiatr. Danub. 2006; 18(Suppl 1): 87.

Affiliation

Department of Behavioural Sciences in Medicine, University of Oslo, P. Box 1111 Blindern, NO-0317 Oslo, Norway. m.a.bjornaas@studmed.uio.no.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Facultas Universitatis Studiorum Zagrabiensis - Danube Symposion of Psychiatry)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16964008

Abstract

Objective: Long term mortality after self-poisonings is higher than for the general population, irrespective of intention. Are there differences in background, previous psychiatric treatment, substance abuse and aftercare based on intention? Methods: A prospective study of all patients treated for self-poisonings in all medical departments in Oslo during one year (April 2003-March 2004), including 908 patients, 54% females, median age 36 yrs. A semi-structured interview was performed. Results: 332 patients were suicidal, 232 were appealing, and 344 were substance abusers. There were more previous suicide attempts among suicide attempters (60%) and those considered to be appealing (57%) than among substance abusers (22%), (p<0.001). Daily abuse was reported in 48% of the substance abuse group, 35% of the suicidal group and 25% of the appeal group (p<0.001). Present/previous psychiatric treatment was reported by 35%, 48% and 35%, respectively (p<0.001). 40% of the abusers were discharged without aftercare, 14% received psychiatric treatment. 94% of suicide attempters got aftercare, 38% as psychiatric inpatients, 39% outpatients. Conclusion: Although the intention behind a self-poisoning may imply differences, there is considerable co-morbidity regarding substance abuse, previous suicide attempts and psychiatric treatment among all patients. Those considered to be non-suicidal received less aftercare.

Language: en