Pattern and Risk Factors for Intentional Drug Overdose in Saudi Arabia

This study is an attempt to better understand & characterize attempted suicide by intentional drug overdose in Saudi Arabia. The authors examined the demographic characteristics, risk factors, the most commonly used drugs, & the resulting morbidities & mortalities of study subjects. They found that most of the patients were young, & that most were Saudi nationals. 80% of the patients were women, & previous attempts, family conflicts, & psychiatric disorders represented significant risk factors. (19 refs)