Suicidal behaviours are commonly found at increased rates among individuals with psychiatric disorders.

To identify risk factors of suicide among the population attended in our area, describe the characteristics of the attempt and the management.

Review of the drug overdosings attended in our Hospital from July to December of 2009.

We identified 112 drug overdosings. 80′4% of the patients had psychiatric history: Mood-Anxiety disorders 60′7%, Substance-Related Disorders 41′1%, Personality disorder 30′4% and Psychotic disorder 10′7. Previous attempts were found in 43′8% of the patients. The most common drug used were benzodiacepines (73% of the cases), followed by antypsychotics (17′9%). Up to 32′1% of the patients used non psychiatric drugs. 64′3% of the patients consumed alcohol and 13′4% cocaine. Moreover, 15′2% of the patients took other toxic substances such us bleach, soap and other chemical products.

We did not find significant differences when studying triggers (family, partnership, economical or others)

The most common diagnosis was suicide attempt (41′1%), followed by parasuicide attempt. 41′4% of the drug overdosings were not considered as self injurious behavior. 64% were referred to ambulatory services, 22′5% needed hospitalization in psychiatric units, and 5′4 were hospitalized in medical services. Although those diagnosed of personality disorder were more often diagnosed of parasuicide (50% Vs 32′1%), they needed more hospitalizations (41% Vs 21%)

1. - Self-injurious behavior is one of the most common causes of consulting in the emergency services.

2. - Patients diagnosed of personality disorder are more commonly hospitalized after making a suicide attempt.