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Adolescent Suicidal Ingestion: National Trends Over a Decade
David C Sheridan1, Robert G Hendrickson2, Amber L Lin3
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon.
Summary
Adolescents most frequently overdose on common medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen in suicide attempts. Identifying these patterns is crucial for targeted prevention strategies in this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Toxicology
- Adolescent Medicine
Background:
- Adolescent suicide attempts frequently involve medication overdoses.
- Limited data exists on specific over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications used in adolescent self-harm.
- Understanding these choices can inform prevention programs for parents and healthcare providers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the specific medications adolescents ingest during suspected suicide attempts.
- To analyze trends in medication choices for self-harm over a 10-year period.
- To provide data for enhanced prevention strategies and guidance.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study utilizing the National Poison Data System (American Association of Poison Control Centers).
- Analysis of data from 2004-2013 for patients aged 13-19 years.
- Inclusion criteria: ingestions coded as 'intentional-suspected suicide'.
Main Results:
- Over 390,000 poison center calls for intentional-suspected suicide in adolescents (2004-2013).
- Most common ingestions: acetaminophen (10.9%), ibuprofen (9%), SSRIs (7.7%), atypical antipsychotics (6%), antihistamines (5%).
- Antidepressants and atypical antipsychotics were most frequently associated with major clinical effects or death.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent medication choices for suicide attempts show consistency over a decade, with a recent decline in SSRI ingestions.
- Ibuprofen and acetaminophen remain the most common substances used in overdose attempts.
- Multilevel preventative efforts are essential for this high-risk adolescent population.