SELF POISONING - DECENNIAL SURVEY FROM CARDIFF

The decennial trends in poisoning observed in greater Cardiff parallel the steep increases reported from other areas of Great Britain but there is evidence of a recent decline in numbers. The case fatality rate is very low. The principal new features are a decline in female preponderance; a vast increase in trivial cases due to tranquillizers and miscellaneous harmless drugs; the continuing serious part played by aspirin, paracetamol and barbituates; the great increase in alcohol as a compounding drug; the increasing incidence of cases due to drug abuse; and the impact of the Poisons Information Service in reducing unnecessary admission of young children. It is suggested that a tighter screening procedure for adult self poisoning be instituted. © 1979 The Society of Community Medicine.