Ethnic differences in self poisoning: a comparative study between an Asian and White adolescent group

A preliminary retrospective case note study is presented comparing various characteristics of self poisoning between a White and an Asian group of adolescents. A group of 38 Asian and 34 White adolescents of ages 17 years and below, was studied. The results showed that the sex ratio of both samples was similar. Also, "Culture Conflict" was implicated in slightly more of the Asian female self poisoning as compared to the males. Asian females used "non ingestants" significantly more than their White counterparts, and significantly more described their overdose as "accidental". Significantly more White females were in care at the time of the overdose.