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Drugs prescribed for self poisoners
British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Ed.)
|June 1, 1985
Summary
Psychotropic drug prescribing, especially repeat prescriptions for benzodiazepines, is linked to self-poisoning. Reducing careless prescribing may decrease self-harm incidents.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Self-poisoning is a significant public health issue.
- Prescribed psychotropic medications are frequently used by individuals who self-poison.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the patterns of psychotropic drug use among adults admitted for self-poisoning.
- To determine the association between psychotropic drug prescribing and self-poisoning behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 230 adult self-poisoning admissions over two months.
- Examination of prescribed drug histories, focusing on psychotropic medications (especially benzodiazepines).
Main Results:
- 67% of patients were taking prescribed drugs, with 78% receiving psychotropic medications.
- Repeat prescribing and polypharmacy of psychotropic drugs were common and associated with repeated self-poisoning.
- Psychotropic drugs were often prescribed inappropriately, even for patients without psychiatric diagnoses.
Conclusions:
- Psychotropic drug use, particularly repeat prescribing and polypharmacy, is strongly associated with self-poisoning.
- Restraint in prescribing psychotropic medications may reduce the incidence of self-poisoning.
- Long-term benefits of psychotropic drugs for self-poisoners are questionable; they may even cause harm.