18 DRUG INDUCED LIFE THREATENING SUICIDAL ATTEMPTS IN IS ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

56 adolescent suicidal attempters (46 females, 10 males) with a mean age 13+2.5 yrs. were admitted to the Pediatric ward over a two year period. All but two of the pts. had used drugs to attempt suicide. The drugs used were previously prescribed by MDs to either the attempter or to a family member for illnesses. Table shows the drugs used by attempters: 14 patients used multiple drugs. 18/54 (14F, 4M) had altered consciousness on arrival to ER. Four of these were found unconscious either in school or in the street. The average hospitalization was 5.7 days (ranqe 2–40 days). All patients survived and were followed in adolescent clinic.CONCLUSIONS: 1. Most of the suicidal attempts in adolescents were druq induced. 2. In treating unconscious adolescents, suicidal attempts should be considered in the differential diagnosis. 3. A detailed history aimed to elicit drug treatment of the patient or family member may be helpful in identifying the drugs used by the attempter.