Adolescents who take overdoses: outcome in terms of changes in psychopathology and the adolescents' attitudes to care and to their overdose

Adolescent self-poisoners were followed up 3 months after taking an overdose. High levels of psychopathology were found, with 72% (18/25) of the adolescents having a diagnosable psychiatric disorder and 48% (12/25) major depression. All the adolescents were offered follow-up treatment from health or social services. Compliance with treatment was very high. Seventy-two per cent of the adolescents found treatment useful to them. The adolescents received a generally sympathetic response from their significant others. Fifty-four per cent of the adolescents thought that their overdose had resulted overall in improvements to their lives but 44% would consider taking an overdose again in similar circumstances. (C) 1998 The Association for Professionals in Services for Adolescents.