Intentional Self-Poisonings and Unintentional Poisonings of Adolescents With Nonfatal Outcomes

Abstract

In the period of adolescence, poisonings are regarded as constant problems. The aim of this study was to provide a description of a nonfatal adolescent poisoning clinical course and analysis of psychological determinants of poisoning. A two-year retrospective case series study on 104 cases of nonfatal adolescent poisonings (57 girls and 47 boys) was completed. The unintentional poisoning was more frequent (59; 56.7%) compared to intentional self-poisoning (45; 43.3%). The intentional self-poisoning was more frequent among the female population (33 out of 45 intentional self-poisonings). The unintentional poisoning was more frequent in the male population (35 out of 59 unintentional poisonings). The single-agent poisoning was the most common (88; 84.6%). Initial potassium and blood glycose admission values were significantly higher among the intentional self-poisoning cases. Increased attention should be paid to adolescents' first admission due to poisoning. Patients should be examined by the attending psychiatrist, because it is possible that they might have had previous suicidal attempts in the past.