In Sweden, self-harm involving medication has seen a staggering increase of almost 32% among teenagers over the last five years, according to reports from the Poison Information Center. In 2025, the center received 3,429 inquiries from hospitals regarding teenage patients, a significant rise from the 2,602 inquiries recorded in 2021. This troubling trend highlights the growing mental health challenges faced by adolescents, particularly as instances requiring hospital care have also increased.

Notably, self-harm is reported to be more prevalent among girls than boys, indicating a potential area of concern for mental health professionals. Dr. Johanna Nordmark Grass, a senior physician and medical manager at the Poison Information Center, noted that while fatalities from these incidents are rare, there are still several cases each year where the condition of the patient is critically severe. The increase in the number of self-harm incidents necessitates immediate attention to address the underlying issues affecting this vulnerable demographic.

Common medications involved in these self-harm cases include paracetamol, ADHD medication, and antidepressants. Mental health experts suggest that many of these incidents are impulsive actions where individuals take whatever medication is readily available at home. This alarming trend underscores the need for greater awareness, education, and support for young people struggling with mental health issues and urges a closer look at preventive measures that can be implemented in schools and communities.