COVID-19 Pandemic Exacerbates Self-Poisoning Cases in Italy

A significant increase in deliberate self-poisoning cases was observed in Italy during the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in individuals without prior psychiatric history. The study, conducted by researchers at the Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, found that the number of self-poisoning cases increased during lockdown 2, with a significant increase in cases among individuals with no prior psychiatric illness before COVID-19. The researchers analyzed data from the Pavia Poison Control Centre and ED electronic health records, involving 324 cases, 74.7% of which had a history of psychiatric disease.

Key Takeaways:

• The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the incidence, characteristics, and management of deliberate self-poisoning in adults in Pavia, Italy.
• The number of self-poisoning cases increased during lockdown 2, with a significant increase in cases among individuals without prior psychiatric history.
• Neuropsychotropic drugs were the most frequently used substances, covering 84.3% of all included cases.
• The persistence of self-poisoning cases throughout 2022 suggests that the psychological toll of the pandemic may have long-term consequences for the population in the Pavia area.
• The study highlights the need for future research to explore the long-term effects of the pandemic on mental health and suicidal behavior.
• The researchers suggest that emergency departments should have adequate resources to manage the increased demand for mental health services during the pandemic.

Statistics:

• 324 cases of deliberate self-poisoning were included in the study.
• 74.7% of the cases had a history of psychiatric disease.
• 222/273 (81.3%) of the cases involved neuropsychotropic drugs.
• 84.3% of all included cases involved the use of drugs.
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