PSYCHIATRIC-SYMPTOMS IN SELF-POISONING PATIENTS

Self-poisoning patients admitted to hospital were studied for persistence of psychiatric symptoms over a 3-month period and evaluated at 3 points in time with the General Health Questionnaire and the Present State Examination. Symptoms were identified which had a high or low prevalence at 3-month follow-up. GHQ and PSE scores correlated at 0-8. The implications of the study are discussed, particularly the earlier need for out-patient help in those who had a moderate or high number of symptoms at initial interview. © 1979, Cambridge University Press. All rights reserved.