Poisoning

Description

• Poisoning may be intentional or unintentional
• Patients with change in mental status without clear cause should have poisoning (intoxication, overdose) considered in differential diagnosis

Etiology

• Intentional:
  • Depression
  • Suicide
  • Homicide
  • Recreational drug abuse
• Unintentional (accidental):
  • Common cause in children
  • Therapeutic error (e.g., double dose)
  • Recreational drug experimentation
  • Polypharmacy adverse drug reaction

• Accidental ingestions – typically young children (1–5 yr)
• Consider child abuse if inconsistent or suspicious history