Self poisoning in Auckland

The records of all deliberate self poisoners seen at Auckland Hospital in a 15 month period in 1971-72 were examined. There were 550 patients of whom 35 presented twice and six three times. Five persons died. A subgroup of 100 was interviewed personally and compared with 100 orthopaedic outpatients matched for age and sex. Self poisoners are more likely to be aged 15-24, of female sex, have seen a psychiatrist, self poisoned previously, come from disturbed family and marital backgrounds and show other signs of moderate maladjustment. Drugs taken are usually prescription drugs obtained legitimately with psychiatric ones particularly hypnotics and anxiolytics, predominating. The act is usually impulsive and not designed to result in death. Most patients require only outpatient treatment. It is suggested that the term attempted suicide is a misnomer in most cases and the less misleading self poisoning replace it.