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. 2005 Apr;47(2):73-8.
doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.55935.

Psychological autopsy of suicide-a cross-sectional study

Farooq Ahmed Khan  1 , B Anand, M Gowri Devi, K Krishna Murthy
Affiliations

Psychological autopsy of suicide-a cross-sectional study

Farooq Ahmed Khan et al. Indian J Psychiatry. 2005 Apr.

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.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Duration of consultation with physician/psychiatrist before suicide attempt
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Stressful life events over 6 months–1 year
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Previous attempt at suicide
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Precipitating factors for suicide
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Methods used by males and females
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Counselling services provided
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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