Year: 1997 Source: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, v.95, (1997), p.283-287 SIEC No: 20030396

This study compared the number and type of substances taken in deliberate self-poisoning with fatal and non-fatal outcome. The aims were i) to describe substances typically involved in self-poisoning in England and Wales, ii) to examine the role of drug ‘cocktails,’ and iii) to examine whether toxic substances are over-represented in cases with fatal outcome. In discussing the findings, this report emphasizes the role of over-the-counter analgesics and antidepressants in overdose-related mortality in England and Wales. (16 refs)