Crombie, I. K. and McLoone, P. (1998) Does the availability of prescribed drugs affect rates of self poisoning? British Journal of General Practice, 48(433), pp. 1505-1506. (PMID:10024711) (PMCID:PMC1313200)
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Abstract
The trends in self-poisoning rates and in rates of prescribing of the major drug groups were compared. Over the period 1981-91, barbiturate prescribing and self poisoning both fell by 80%; for antidepressants, prescribing increased by over 40% and self poisoning by 30%; for antipsychotics, both rose by 30%; for benzodiazepines, poisoning fell by 30% and prescribing by 20%. Even for analgesic drugs, which are also available over the counter, there was a correspondence between changes in self poisoning and prescribing. The availability of prescribed drugs is directly related to their use for self poisoning. Restricting the availability of these drugs is a possible preventative strategy, although further research on this is needed.
Item Type: | Articles |
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Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | McLoone, Mr Philip |
Authors: | Crombie, I. K., and McLoone, P. |
College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health |
Journal Name: | British Journal of General Practice |
Publisher: | Royal College of General Practitioners |
ISSN: | 0960-1643 |
ISSN (Online): | 1478-5242 |
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