Psychiatric Service in a Center for the Treatment of Poisoning

Abstract

described a survey of factors affecting the flow of outpatients to a south London teaching hospital.

Attitudes towards self-poisoning.

“…There has been a steady and relentless increase in the incidence of self-poisoning acts and subsequent admissions to hospital. [1][2][3][4] Frequently these acts take place against the background of severe adverse social circumstances. 9 1115-17 The brunt of the primary care in most cases falls on the general physician, his junior colleagues, and the nursing staff.…”

Drug problems dealt with by 62 London casualty departments. A preliminary report.

“…The frequency with which drugs are used for self-poisoning has changed over the years. While barbiturates were used increasingly during the 1950s and 1960s (Kessel, McCulloch, and Simpson, 1963) their use has declined recently (Smith and Davison, 1971). In the survey although barbiturates were still used very commonly, particularly by men, minor tranquillizers played a particularly prominent part in self-poisoning cases.…”

Test-retest characteristics of a group of attempted suicide patients.

“…The NSQ and SSI scales of Personal Illness (PI) and Character Disorder (CD), accompanied by a covering letter, were sent to each of the 84 patients who had been tested while in the hospital. These patients were typical of persons admitted to the Poisoning Treatment Centre following an episode of self-poisoning or self-injury (Kessel, McCulloch, & Simpson, 1963;. A second letter was sent to those who had not replied to the original contact within 21 days.…”