Trends in Adult Parasuicide in an Urban Environment

This study reports on a cohort of 389 adult in-hospital parasuicides. The female to male ratio was 2,5:1,3. Age peaked between 20–29 years with a decline corresponding with age advance. An increase in and a lowering of age in parasuicide were found. Most patients were married and had a history and family history of psychological problems including inordinate drug/alcohol consumption. Self-poisoning by overdose predominated, with benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and non-narcotic analgesics being most common. A sex-linked difference in choice of method was evident. Adjustment disorders with depressed mood associated with interpersonal problems with a key person, substance abuse and social problems, and affective disorders were the most common psychiatric diagnoses. Increased subintentional parasuicide numbers were found. Results are discussed in terms of the implications these findings have for a clearer understanding of parasuicidal behaviour.