Work

Clinical characteristics of patients who attempt suicide by drug overdose in Western China: a retrospective analysis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Overdose is a prevalent method of suicide, and a thorough analysis of the demographic characteristics and risk behaviour patterns within the drug overdose population might facilitate the development of effective treatments and prevention methods. METHODS: This retrospective study analysed patients hospitalized for attempted suicide by drug overdose (2020–2023) at a tertiary care hospital in Western China. Data on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 631 overdose cases originating from 604 patients were analysed. The resulting patient cohort had a male-to-female ratio of 1:3.1. The patient age range was 12–88 years, with more than half (57.0%) aged ≤ 20 years. The number of female patients was greater than that of male patients across all age groups, with this sex disparity decreasing with increasing age. Among 631 overdose cases, 84.2% involved psychiatric drugs, with antidepressants being the predominant drug type (296 cases, 46.9%). Adult patients predominantly used benzodiazepines and had a higher rate of alcohol co-ingestion, whereas adolescent patients used antidepressants and often combined multiple medications (≥3). The number of overdose cases showed a bimodal distribution and was more pronounced in the adolescent population, with peak drug use occurring in April and December, which coincided with academic cycles. A total of 52.0% of the patients had a history of psychiatric hospitalization, with depressive disorders being the predominant mental illness. Among the follow-up destinations, 36.7% of the adult patients returned home without psychiatric follow-up after treatment, which was significantly greater than the percentage of adolescents who returned home (19.9%, p < 0.05). Multivariable analysis identified female sex (aOR = 0.56) and prior psychiatric contact (outpatient aOR = 0.12; hospitalization aOR = 0.21) as protective factors against loss to follow-up. CONCLUSION: This study identifies adolescent females and individuals with depressive disorders as key populations for targeted suicide prevention. A bimodal peak in attempts coinciding with academic examination periods (April/December) supports implementing school-based screenings and stress management. Adults showed significantly higher disengagement from follow-up, with prior psychiatric contact emerging as a protective factor. These findings underscore the need for improved care continuity, especially for individuals without established mental health pathways. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

Source: BMC Psychiatry

DOI: 10.1186/s12888-025-07715-1