• Renymol B and Suma Tk.
• Associate Professor, Govt. TD Medical College, Alappuzha, Kerala.
• J Assoc Physicians India. 2019 Mar 1; 67 (3): 64-66.

IntroductionSuicide is a major public health challenge in Kerala. Majority of adult poisoning is intentional. Most of those who attempt 'deliberate self harm' are young adults and many a time the reason is trivial.ObjectivesTo find out the pattern of poisoning, prognostic factors in different type of poisoning, precipitating factors for deliberate self harm and to suggest preventive measures.MethodologyThis was a prospective observational study conducted among patients admitted with history of poisoning in a tertiary care centre in Kerala. Detailed history, physical examination, relevant lab investigations were done in all the patients. Psychiatric assessment and counselling was done in all survivors.ResultsA total of 195 patients were included in this study-109 males and 86 females. The intention of poisoning was suicidal in 98.82% of cases. The mortality rate was 13.33%. Common poisons consumed were odollam, drugs, pesticides and rodenticides. Majority of deaths were due to organophosphorous compounds (42.31%) followed by odollam (38.46%). The common precipitating factors were family problems, personal stressors and marital discord in both sexes. Psychiatric assessment showed adjustment disorder as the commonest problem followed by impulsive act.ConclusionThe common poisons ingested are organophosphorous compounds, drugs and odollam. Organophosphorous and odollam carries higher mortality. Pesticide regulation, use of less toxic pesticides in agriculture, early management and quick referral to well equipped hospitals will help in reducing mortality. Suicide prevention programmes like psychosocial support and counselling, raising public awareness about deliberate self harm and alcohol de-addiction programmes will help in reducing the incidence of deliberate self harm.© Journal of the Association of Physicians of India 2011.

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