Age-Sex Differences in Medicinal Self-Poisonings: a Population-Based Study of Deliberate Intent and Medical Severity

Medicinal self-poisoning presentations by 18,383 residents of Ontario, age 12 & older, who presented to a hospital emergency department between April 2001-March 2002 were characterized by the agents taken, identification of deliberate intent, & medical severity. Distinct age-gender differences were found. Females, age 12-64, were identified as more deliberate more often than their male counterparts. The high proportion of medical self-poisoning in youths involving agents not typically prescribed & the medical severity of the acetaminophen agent-group underscore how prevention strategies must extend beyond controlling access to antidepressants. More comprehensive assessment of males is suggested given their higher risk of suicide. (53 refs.)