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Psychological autopsy studies--a review.

E T Isometsä1

  • 1Mood Disorders & Suicide Research Unit, Department of Mental Health and Alcohol Research, National Public Health Institute, Mannerheimintie 166 FIN-00300 Helsinki, Finland. erkki.isometsa@ktl.fi

European Psychiatry : the Journal of the Association of European Psychiatrists
|December 1, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Psychological autopsy research reveals over 90% of completed suicides involve mental disorders, often undertreated. Future studies will explore risk factor interactions and biological markers for suicide prevention.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Psychology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Psychological autopsy is a crucial research method for understanding completed suicide.
  • It synthesizes information from interviews, medical records, and forensic examinations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the methodology and findings of psychological autopsy studies.
  • To highlight the prevalence of mental disorders in completed suicides and their undertreatment.
  • To discuss future directions in suicide research using this method.

Main Methods:

  • Collecting comprehensive data from multiple sources including interviews with family, friends, and healthcare providers.
  • Reviewing psychiatric, medical, and forensic records of the deceased.
  • Utilizing case-control designs in more recent studies to better estimate risk factors.

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Main Results:

  • Early studies found over 90% of completed suicides had co-morbid mental disorders (mood and substance use disorders).
  • These mental disorders were frequently undertreated, even with prior healthcare contact.
  • Case-control designs have improved the estimation of suicide risk factors.

Conclusions:

  • Psychological autopsy is vital for identifying mental health issues in completed suicides.
  • Undertreatment of mental disorders remains a significant concern in suicide prevention.
  • Future research should focus on risk factor interactions, specific populations, and biological correlates.