Is it possible to measure differences in the cost of antidepressant overdoses?

In this paper an attempt is described to measure the cost differential between treating episodes of overdose on older antidepressants (e.g. TCAs) and those involving newer antidepressants (e.g. SSRIs). Data is presented showing that it is possible to demonstrate a marked cost differential between older and newer agents; although there are difficulties in precisely quantifying the difference. The limitations of the data are discussed and recommendations made for the methodology of a larger, more sensitive, study. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]