Psychological autopsy of suicide-a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Psychological autopsy is the reconstruction of events leading to death. There are few studies on psychological autopsy.

Aim: To understand the profile of suicide completers and find out ways of dealing with it.

Methods: Fifty suicide cases were analysed. Using a semi-structured, self-designed questionnaire, the family, friends and relatives of the deceased were interviewed.

Results: The presence of some type of psychiatric disorder and stressful life events are two important reasons for committing suicide.

Conclusion: Psychological autopsy is a very important tool for assessing the causes and precipitants of suicide. More and more studies in this field are required with a larger sample size for the evaluation of suicides.

Keywords: Psychological autopsy; psychiatric disorders; suicide.

Fig. 1

Duration of consultation with physician/psychiatrist before suicide attempt

Fig. 2

Stressful life events over 6 months–1 year

Fig. 3

Previous attempt at suicide

Fig. 4

Precipitating factors for suicide

Fig. 5

Methods used by males and females

Fig. 6

Counselling services provided