Parasuicide and the family physician.

Parasuicide (attempted suicide) was studied at Toronto General Hospital with the aim of relating the data to the physician in family practice. The problem is one of young people, especially young women. Drug ingestion was by far the most frequently used method of self-harm. Since prescription drugs, expecially psychotropics, were taken most often, the role of these drugs in family practice is examined. Guidelines for the recognition and management of parasuicide are offered.