Characteristics of hospital-treated intentional drug overdose in Ireland and Northern Ireland

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study compared the profile of intentional drug overdoses (IDOs) presenting to emergency departments in Ireland and in the Western Trust Area of Northern Ireland between 2007 and 2012. Specifically the study aimed to compare characteristics of the patients involved, to explore the factors associated with repeated IDO and to report the prescription rates of common drug types in the population.MethodsWe utilised data from two comparable registries which monitor the incidence of hospital-treated self-harm, recording data from deliberate self-harm presentations involving an IDO to all hospital emergency departments for the period 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2012.ResultsBetween 2007 and 2012 the registries recorded 56 494 self-harm presentations involving an IDO. The study showed that hospital-treated IDO was almost twice as common in Northern Ireland than in Ireland (278 vs 156/100 000, respectively).ConclusionsDespite the overall difference in the rates of IDO, the profile of such presentations was remarkably similar in both countries. Minor tranquillisers were the drugs most commonly involved in IDOs. National campaigns are required to address the availability and misuse of minor tranquillisers, both prescribed and non-prescribed.

Risk Factors for Overdose in Treatment-Seeking Youth With Substance Use Disorders

“…Consistent with prior work, 9,19,20 unintentional OD was defined as substance use without intention of self-harm that was associated with significant impairment in level of consciousness. Intentional OD was defined as ingestion of any substance with the deliberate intention of self-harm 21 that was reported as a suicide attempt.…”

Risk Factors for Overdose in Young People Who Received Substance Use Disorder Treatment

“…Consistent with prior work, unintentional OD was defined as patient report of substance use without intention of self‐harm that was associated with significant impairment in level of consciousness. Intentional OD was defined as patient report of an ingestion of any substance with the deliberate intention of self‐harm that was reported as a suicide attempt. A death was classified as a presumed OD based on collateral from family or medical record regarding the circumstances surrounding the death and the patient's substance use history.…”

The involvement of alcohol in hospital-treated self-harm and associated factors: findings from two national registries

“…[18,19] In particular we found a high proportion of alcohol involvement among residents of Northern Ireland aged between 45-54 years (61%), a group which have been exposed to the conflict in Northern Ireland. [17] The findings from this study have highlighted the role of alcohol consumption in self-harm, associated with presentations occurring out of hours and at weekends, in particular presentations leaving without treatment, as well as among male repeaters. These patterns confirm the need to ensure that services are in place to provide adequate care for patients with issues relating to co-existing alcohol misuse and self-harm, as outlined in the NICE guidelines for the management of self-harm.…”

“…[16] We have previously found higher rates of self-harm in Northern Ireland. [9,17] and population-based surveys have established a high incidence of DSM-IV disorders (particularly Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) in the general population, which may negatively impact on mental health. [18,19] In particular we found a high proportion of alcohol involvement among residents of Northern Ireland aged between 45-54 years (61%), a group which have been exposed to the conflict in Northern Ireland.…”