Contributing factors in self-poisoning leading to hospital admission in adolescents in northern Finland.

AIM

To evaluate the frequencies of different agents used in self-poisonings and acute factors contributing to intoxication of patients aged 12-18 years in northern Finland.

MATERIAL

Retrospective medical record review of all hospitalized patients during the period from January 1, 1991 to December 31, 2006.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Cause of the admission, contributing factors, readmissions within one year.

RESULTS

There were 309 admissions during the period, 54% were females. The leading cause of admission was alcohol, in 222 cases (71.8%). Hospitalizations related to alcohol consumption were associated with accidental poisoning in recreational use. There were no acute contributing factors in the majority of all patients. Over one-third of all intoxications were intentional self-harm, although previously diagnosed psychiatric diseases were rare.

CONCLUSIONS

It is crucial to recognize adolescent psychiatric disorders in time and consult child and adolescent psychiatrist in case of poisoning.