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One‐year follow up after admission to an emergency department for drug overdose in J apan
Author(s) -
Ando Shuntaro,
Matsumoto Toshihiko,
Kanata Sho,
Hojo Aya,
Yasugi Daisuke,
Eto Nobuaki,
Kawanishi Chiaki,
Asukai Nozomu,
Kasai Kiyoto
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
psychiatry and clinical neurosciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.609
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1440-1819
pISSN - 1323-1316
DOI - 10.1111/pcn.12079
Subject(s) - medicine , emergency department , psychiatry , denial , suicide prevention , suicide attempt , poison control , injury prevention , personality , medical emergency , psychology , psychoanalysis , social psychology
Aim The aim of the study was to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for repetition of suicidal behavior within a year after admission for drug overdose in J apan. Methods Patients admitted to the emergency department of a general public hospital in T okyo for drug overdose of prescribed medicine and/or over‐the‐counter drugs between M arch 2008 and F ebruary 2009 were followed up after 1 year. Demographic characteristics, previous suicide attempts, and mental health state were examined by self‐report questionnaire and interview at recovery from the initial attempt. Information about suicidal behavior during the follow‐up period was obtained from the outpatient psychiatrists by postal questionnaire 1 year after discharge. Results Of 190 patients admitted to the emergency department, 132 patients answered the questionnaire and had the interview. Information about thefollow‐up period for 66 patients was obtained. Of the 66 patients, 28 patients attempted suicide again and two patients committed suicide during the 1‐year follow‐up period. Psychiatric diagnosis of personality disorder and denial of suicidal intent at the time of recovery were associated with increased risk for another suicide attempt. Lethality levels of suicidal behaviors before and after admission were associated with each other. Conclusion The rate of fatal and non‐fatal suicide attempt within a year after admission for self‐poisoning was substantial. Psychiatric diagnosis of personality disorder was a risk factor for repetition of suicide attempt. Clinicians should pay attention to the means of previous suicide attempts even though the patient denies suicidal intent at recovery.