Work

Intentional Poisonings and Psychiatric Comorbidity in a Hospital Emergency Department: Epidemiological Changes Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic (2018–2022): Retrospective Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Poisoning is a frequent cause of emergency department (ED) visits. The COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced its epidemiology and clinical profile. Objective: To analyze and compare the characteristics of poisonings treated in the ED before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted including all patients who attended for acute poisoning in a Spanish tertiary hospital from January 2018 to December 2022. Sociodemographic variables, toxic agents, clinical features, psychiatric history, intentionality, and outcomes were analyzed. Results: A total of 170 cases were recorded. Medicinal agents were the most frequent toxicants, followed by ethanol. After the onset of the pandemic, there was an increase in poisonings due to medicinal agents and in cases with psychiatric comorbidity, particularly intentional overdoses. Hospital admissions and ICU referrals also increased, although mortality remained low. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with relevant changes in the epidemiology and clinical profile of poisonings treated in the ED, highlighting the growing importance of intentionality and psychiatric disorders.

Source: Psychiatry International

DOI: 10.3390/psychiatryint6040127

Authors: María Alcalá-Cerrillo, Mirian Santamaría-Peláez, Josefa González-Santos, Jerónimo J. González-Bernal, Ana Gómez-Martín

Institutions: Universidad de Extremadura, Universidad de Burgos

Language: English

Topic: Poisoning and overdose treatments

Subfield: Emergency Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207