What is the most common cause of suicide by ingestion?

The most common cause of suicide by ingestion is typically associated with antidepressant overdose. This is largely due to several factors. Antidepressants, particularly those in the classes of tricyclics and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are readily available, which may lead individuals in crisis to choose them as a means of self-harm.

Moreover, antidepressants have a significant therapeutic effect in the management of depression and mood disorders, which can paradoxically lead individuals, especially those with severe depression, to take an overdose not only for self-harm but in an effort to exacerbate their struggles with mental health. Additionally, the use of these medications can sometimes be coupled with a lack of awareness about their potential lethality when taken in large quantities, making them a more common method of ingestion-related suicide than other substances.

This understanding highlights the necessity for both medical professionals and mental health advocates to monitor prescriptions closely and address the risks associated with antidepressant medications in vulnerable populations.