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What does psychological autopsy study tell us about charcoal burning suicide--a new and contagious method in Asia?
Sandra S M Chan1, Helen F K Chiu, Eric Y H Chen
1Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, N.T. Hong Kong SAR. schan@cuhk.edu.hk
Abstract:
Charcoal burning suicides in Hong Kong between 2002-2004 in the 15 to 59-year-old age group were investigated using the psychological autopsy method. The psychopathological profiles of charcoal burning suicides (N = 53) were compared against "other suicides" (N = 97). The two groups did not differ significantly in the prevalence of DSM-IV axis I diagnoses with the exception of schizophrenic spectrum disorder which was less frequently associated with charcoal burning suicides. Score on "neuroticism" in the NEO-five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) was significantly higher in victims of charcoal burning suicide. There was also a trend toward higher score on "conscientiousness" in the NEO-FFI among charcoal burners than victims of other suicide.
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