Year: 2000 Source: MJA. Medical Journal of Australia, v.173, no.3, (August 7, 2000), p.164 SIEC No: 20010479

This letter to the editor provides a brief report on a series of elderly people (age 65+) who presented to the emergency department of the Royal North Shore Hospital in St. Leonards, New South Wales after an intentional drug overdose. 15 cases were reviewed. Notable features of these patients were social isolation & a high rate of chronic illness, especially chronic pain & psychiatric disorders. Differences from younger patients included the hoarding of tablets, deliberate planning, & high suicidal intent. (5 refs.)