Epidemiology of suicides attempt by self-poisoning: the Pavia Emergency-Toxicologic Network experience before and after the COVID-19 pandemic years.

Abstract

In Italy, deliberate self-poisoning (DSP) represents a significant proportion of emergency department (ED) admissions for acute poisoning. This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence, characteristics, and management of DSP in adults in Pavia, a region of Italy heavily affected during the initial outbreak. We conducted a retrospective observational study of DSP cases managed at the ED of IRCCS San Matteo Foundation University Hospital for which the advice of the Pavia Poison Control Centre (PPCC) was requested (January 1, 2019-December 31, 2022). Data were collected from the PPCC and ED electronic health records. We analyzed trends in DSPs in relation to Italian government-imposed COVID-19 restrictions. We included 324 cases, the 74.7% had a history of psychiatric disease. The trends in DSPs changed in relation to the phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of DSPs increased during lockdown 2. A significant increase in DSPs has been found in patients with no prior history of psychiatric illness before COVID. The most used substances were drugs, covering 84.3% of all included cases with neuropsychotropic drugs as the most frequently used (222/273, 81.3%). The COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on DSP trends in the adult population, with an increase in cases among individuals without prior psychiatric history. The persistence of DSP cases throughout 2022 suggests that the psychological toll of the pandemic may have long-term consequences in the Pavia area, Italy. Future studies should aim to explore the long-term effects of the pandemic on mental health and suicidal behavior.