Parasuicide and Alcohol: a 20 Year Survey of Admissions to a Regional Poisoning Treatment Centre

The relationship between alcohol dependence, alcohol consumption & parasuicide was studied among patients admitted between 1968-87 to a regional centre in Edinburgh. Both alcohol dependence & consumption of alcohol at the time of the parasuicidal act were reported more commonly by men than women. However, the proportion of females diagnosed as alcohol dependent or consuming alcohol at the time of the act tended to increase over time. Implications for research & service delivery are discussed.