Acute poisoning and psychological trauma: Bridging emergency care to long-term mental health rehabilitation

This review addresses the critical intersection between acute poisoning and the associated psychological trauma, highlighting the need to bridge the gap between emergency care and long-term mental health rehabilitation. The global incidence of acute poisoning varies, showing different demographic patterns in psychological trauma post-poisoning, with suicide attempts accounting for approximately 76% of cases in some cohorts. Additionally, an estimated 385 million unintentional pesticide poisonings occur annually worldwide. A comprehensive understanding of the biological and neurobiological mechanisms involved-along with accurate diagnostic strategies and treatment methods-is essential. Multidisciplinary and integrated care approaches associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality (odds ratio: 0.52) and significant symptom burden relief, along with technological and therapeutic innovations, are essential for improving patient outcomes. Finally, this review outlines policy and research recommendations to enhance integrated care systems for the better management of acute poisoning and its associated psychological trauma.