Suicide attempt by drug overdose.

Suicide attempts by drug overdose are a growing health care problem, now reaching epidemic proportions. The patient who attempts suicide is typically a young, single adult female with interpersonal conflicts who takes an overdose of a prescribed drug, frequently a benzodiazepine. Patients who have recently been separated or divorced and those who are alcoholic, depressed or previously suicidal are also at risk. The family physician is in the best position to prevent suicide.