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Gunshot suicides in England--a multicentre study based on coroners' records
Lesley Sutton1, Keith Hawton, Sue Simkin
1Centre for Suicide Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK.
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
|April 19, 2005
Summary
Reducing gunshot suicides in England requires limiting firearm access, especially for those at risk. This study analyzed 58 cases, finding most were male and often depressed but with limited psychiatric contact.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Public Health
- Suicidology
Background:
- Gunshot suicides represent a significant portion (2.5%) of annual suicides in England and Wales, exceeding 100 deaths yearly.
- Understanding the circumstances surrounding these deaths is crucial for developing effective suicide prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine coroners' inquest records for gunshot suicides.
- To identify patterns and risk factors associated with firearm suicides.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of coroners' inquest records for gunshot suicides.
- Data collected from 24 coroners' jurisdictions in England between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2001.
Main Results:
- Fifty-eight gunshot suicides were identified, with 93% being male. The firearm was often legally owned for sport or occupational use.
- In 20% of cases, the firearm did not belong to the deceased, particularly in younger individuals. Seven cases involved illegally owned handguns.
- A high proportion (72.9%) had a probable diagnosis of depression, yet only 22.4% had prior contact with psychiatric services. Some individuals had a history of self-harm or were under psychiatric care.
Conclusions:
- Strategies to reduce firearm suicides must prioritize limiting access to guns.
- Recommendations include restricting access for non-certificate holders and individuals at increased suicide risk, alongside implementing regular gun amnesties.