Association between epilepsy and attempted suicide.

In a two-year study of patients admitted to hospital after deliberate self-poisoning or self-injury, a fivefold excess of patients with epilepsy was found compared with general population prevalence rates. Males with epilepsy were particularly over-represented. Patients with epilepsy were prone to make repeat attempts. Anticonvulsants, particularly barbiturates, were used in most cases of self poisoning.