overdose

Last reviewed 01/2018

Most cases of self-poisoning are intentional in adults but are usually accidental in children. Ninety percent of adults who deliberately harm themselves choose drug overdose.

Initial management should be as a medical emergency:

  • assessment and resuscitation
  • substance identification
  • elimination
  • specific and general treatment
  • period of observation

Ideally, this should be followed by a full psychological assessment of the reasons for the attempted suicide and the risk of a repeat.