Arsenic among means of suicide

Arsenic is one of the most severe toxicants known to mankind for many centuries. Despite the wide choice and availability in the modern world of other chemical agents, it is still used as a means of suicide, although these cases in Russia and foreign countries are extremely rare. The casuistry limits the possibility of a more complete study and description of the leading characteristics of the suicidal contingent, the identification of risk groups, key motives and anti-suicidal factors. Preventive measures have been worked out little and need to be improved. Summarizing the data of predominantly single observations presented in scientific literature, the authors note that men predominate among those who use arsenic to commit suicide (which is not typical for intentional self-poisoning). As a rule, these are people of young and middle age with only base education, suffering from depression. True motives to die prevail. Usually, arsenic trioxide or its salts are taken orally, less often intravenously. The first symptoms of poisoning are nonspecific, which, in the absence of the possibility of collecting an anamnesis, causes difficulties in making a diagnosis. Antidote therapy, started in the first hours, often saves the life of the victim. In conclusion, the authors point out the need for further in-depth research.