Motives and intent: a comparison of views of overdose patients and their key relatives/friends.

The purpose of the study was to compare the perceptions of patients with those of key relatives or friends as regards motives for self-poisoning and intent to die, in ninety-eight overdose cases. Patients admitted to the accident and emergency department of a district general hospital in the county of Warwickshire, England, were interviewed following their recovery. Their key relatives/friends were also interviewed concerning their views of the emergency. Analysis of the responses of patients and key persons indicated that there was a significant association between the perceptions of the two classes of subjects as regards selection of escape/relief motives, warning prior to the attempt and intention to die. There was also a significant association between patient and relative perceptions of suicidal intent and relief at being alive. The implication of these findings as regards follow-up therapy is discussed.