Dependence, abuse, and psychosocial characteristics of patients transported to the emergency department due to overdose of over-the-counter drugs.

AIM

This study examined the conditions of drug abuse and dependence as well as the psychosocial characteristics of patients transported to an emergency department for over-the-counter (OTC) drug overdose.

METHODS

Participants were patients who presented to the emergency department due to an overdose of OTC drugs. Patients were evaluated using the Drug Abuse Screening Test-20 (DAST-20), Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), and an original questionnaire.

RESULTS

The study included 52 patients from four emergency medical facilities (20 males and 32 females) with a mean age of 23.6 years (standard deviation = 10.1). The DAST-20 indicated that 17 patients (32.7%) experienced moderate or severe drug abuse. The average score for suicide risk on the MINI was 23.7 (median: 27). The severity of OTC drug abuse and dependence significantly correlated with drug overdose history ( = 0.44,  < 0.01), OTC drug type (antitussives and expectorants) ( = 0.36,  < 0.01), experience with OTC drug abuse ( = 0.53,  < 0.01), overdose purpose (relief of distress) ( = 0.41,  < 0.01), and overdose purpose (suicide) ( = -0.52,  < 0.01). The severity of drug abuse and dependence was best predicted by the combination of experience with OTC drug abuse, an advisor, and suicidal purpose (  = 0.53,  < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

It is crucial to investigate patient experiences with OTC drug abuse and their motivations and backgrounds for overdosing. Support for abuse and dependence should be provided in the early stages of treatment.