Dependence, abuse, and psychosocial characteristics of patients transported to the emergency department due to overdose of over-the-counter drugs.

Aim: This study examined the conditions of drug abuse and dependence as well as the psychosocial characteristics of patients transported to an emergency department for over-the-counter (OTC) drug overdose.

Methods: Participants were patients who presented to the emergency department due to an overdose of OTC drugs. Patients were evaluated using the Drug Abuse Screening Test-20 (DAST-20), Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), and an original questionnaire.

Results: The study included 52 patients from four emergency medical facilities (20 males and 32 females) with a mean age of 23.6 years (standard deviation = 10.1). The DAST-20 indicated that 17 patients (32.7%) experienced moderate or severe drug abuse. The average score for suicide risk on the MINI was 23.7 (median: 27). The severity of OTC drug abuse and dependence significantly correlated with drug overdose history (r = 0.44, p < 0.01), OTC drug type (antitussives and expectorants) (r = 0.36, p < 0.01), experience with OTC drug abuse (r = 0.53, p < 0.01), overdose purpose (relief of distress) (r = 0.41, p < 0.01), and overdose purpose (suicide) (r = -0.52, p < 0.01). The severity of drug abuse and dependence was best predicted by the combination of experience with OTC drug abuse, an advisor, and suicidal purpose (R ² = 0.53, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: It is crucial to investigate patient experiences with OTC drug abuse and their motivations and backgrounds for overdosing. Support for abuse and dependence should be provided in the early stages of treatment.