The results of a study carried out at basic health service institutions in 7 cities of the country and dealing with the forms, occurrence, character and duration of psychopathological symptoms in patients with acute poisonings are presented. The annual scope and expenses of a psychiatrist's consultative work at a specialized division are determined. It was found desirable to have one staff psychiatrist per each 50 patients treated at the division. The initial prerequisites and method of calculating that rate are described.