A Cross-Sectional Study of Suicidal Behavior and Common Poisoning Agents (Aluminum Phosphide and Organophosphorus Compounds) in Emergency Settings in North India.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze clinical presentation, modes of suicidal attempts, poisoning agents, and associated psychiatric comorbidities among individuals presenting with suicide attempts. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted over three months in the Department of Psychiatry of a tertiary care hospital. A total of 259 participants aged ≥18 years were enrolled after medical stabilization. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. Common poisoning agents were noted. Depression and stress were assessed using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 25.0, with P < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Mean age was 32.61 ± 9.30 years; 134 (51.74%) were males. Hanging was the most common (120, 46.33%) method, followed by poisoning (82, 31.66%). Poisoning agents were Aluminum Phosphide (n = 50) and Organophosphorus (n = 32). Past psychiatric history was present in 89 (34.36%) participants. Mean BDI was 29.14 ± 6.24 and mean PSS 28 ± 5.6. BDI and PSS showed a positive correlation (r = 0.184, P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Suicide attempts were common among young adults with moderate to severe depression and high stress levels, emphasizing the need for early psychiatric intervention. The poisoning agents used were aluminum phosphide and organophosphorus compounds.