[Patients with self-poisoning in a medical department].

BACKGROUND Patients harm themselves for different reasons; some attempt suicide, others are more ambivalent and their actions can be regarded as acts of appeal. This presentation focuses on self-poisoning with special emphasis on prevalence, treatment and prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS The paper is based on 30 years clinical experience and research on patients with self-poisoning. RESULTS The incidence of self-poisonings treated in Norwegian hospitals is between 100 and 200 per 100 000 person-years. About 1 % die in association with hospitalization, usually due to complications before arrival. Mortality is highly increased 20 years after discharge from hospital. Thorough assessment of somatic, psychiatric and social health problems is necessary. Suicide risk has to be assessed systematically and documented. Follow-up should preferably be organized within one week after a suicide attempt if the patient is not transferred to a psychiatric department. Patients that are admitted to hospital with non-suicidal poisonings also have significant health problems that call for more systematic follow-up. INTERPRETATION Clinical follow-up and research activities do not reflect the seriousness of the health problems associated with self-poisoning.