Cerebrospinal Fluid pH and Monoamine and Glucolytic Metabolites in Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

Although the higher mortality rate among heroin addicts is well documented, comparatively little is known about self-destructive behaviour in this group. Also, few studies have been made of subjects dependent upon oral drugs. In the present study, the records of 97 consecutive admissions to a drug dependence unit were comprehensively examined. Two main variables were investigated, self-injury and self-poisoning. The results show a higher incidence of self-injury in the orally dependent group than in the intravenous group. On the self-poisoning variable, there was no difference between these two groups, although the incidence of self-poisoning was high for both. There was a significant positive correlation between self-injury and overdosing in the oral group, but not in the intravenous group. The results show no correlation between sex and self-injury. Three subjects, each of whom had a history of self-destructive behaviour, were known to have died from overdoses since the beginning of the study. It is suggested that the pharmacological action of the drugs abused by the two groups may account for differences in self-injury, although personality factors may also be involved. Finally, it is suggested that the risk to life associated with self-destructive behaviour in drug-dependent individuals must be taken seriously.