[Suicide attempt with aluminum phosphide poisoning]

suicide attempt with aluminum phosphide fumigant has high mortality conditions. The aim was to investigate the frequency of aluminum phosphide consumption in suicide attempt.

a retrospective case series study at the Hospital General de Tejupilco during the period 2009-2011 was done. Thirty-two patients had attempted suicide; we included 18 whose suicide attempt was with aluminum phosphide. The risk of rescue according Weisman's scale was measured.

from 18 suicidal patients, 83 % were women (n = 15); the average age was 17.7 ± 4.4 years; 89 % (n = 16) were = 23 years old; and 89 % (n = 16) had depression. The motive for the suicide attempt was being abandoned by a partner in 56 % (10). Mortality rate was 78 % (n = 14) and death ocurred in 4 ± 2 hours.

aluminum phosphide is the most commonly used toxic substance in rural areas for suicide attempts. Among suicides, the most common cause among women was abandonment by her partner and was also related to depression and emotional security to dying.