Deliberate self-poisoning presenting at Craigavon Area Hospital: 1976 and 1986

Deliberate self-poisoning presenting at Craigavon Area Hospital was compared in the years of 1976 and 1986. A decline in the use of benzodiazepines and increase in other agents, notably paracetamol, is reported. Alcohol is frequently associated with deliberate self-poisoning, while severe mental illness is less common. Diagnostic practice may have effects on bed occupancy in this group.