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Suicide by asphyxiation due to helium inhalation
Matthew O Howard1, Martin T Hall, Jeffrey D Edwards
1School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27499, USA. mohoward@email.unc.edu
The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|March 12, 2011
Summary
Helium asphyxiation is a promoted suicide method. Most helium suicides involve non-Hispanic white men with psychiatric or substance use disorders, not terminal illnesses.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Right-to-die advocacy promotes helium asphyxiation for 'self-deliverance'.
- Limited data exists on individuals and circumstances surrounding helium suicides.
- This study analyzes helium-associated asphyxial suicides in North Carolina (2000-2008).
Observation:
- Ten cases of helium asphyxial suicides were identified.
- The decedents were predominantly non-Hispanic, white men, with a mean age of 41.1 years.
- No cases involved individuals with terminal illnesses.
Findings:
- Six out of ten decedents had significant psychiatric dysfunction.
- Three of these six cases also involved comorbid substance abuse.
- The majority of helium suicides occurred in individuals without terminal illnesses, but with psychiatric and/or substance use disorders.
Implications:
- Findings highlight the need for targeted mental health and substance abuse interventions.
- Understanding the demographics and conditions associated with helium suicides can inform prevention strategies.
- Further research is needed to explore the motivations and circumstances in greater detail.
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