%0 Journal Article
%T Medications Without a Patient
%J Crisis
%D 2014
%A Reis, Catherine
%A Sinyor, Mark
%A Schaffer, Ayal
%V 35
%N 4
%P 283-285
%X BACKGROUND: Little has been published on the sources of medications used in suicide by self-poisoning. Aims: To examine data on self-poisoning occurring through the use of medications returned to the next of kin after the death of a family member or friend ("returned medication") and to examine public policies relevant to this issue. <br><br>METHOD: A review of charts at the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario for deaths by self-poisoning suicide in the City of Toronto occurring between 1998 and 2010 was conducted. Information regarding the source of medication used in self-poisoning was extracted. Federal, provincial, and local policies were also examined to determine whether there are guidelines governing returning medication to next of kin. <br><br>RESULTS: Of 567 suicide deaths by self-poisoning in Toronto over 13 years, there were eight cases in which returned medication was used in suicide by self-poisoning. No policies prohibiting this type of medication return were identified. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Suicide by self-poisoning using returned medications is an important consideration that may not yet be fully appreciated, and has relevance for suicide prevention policies.<p /><p>Language: en</p>
%G en
%I Hogrefe Publishing
%@ 0227-5910
%U http://dx.doi.org/10.1027/0227-5910/a000251