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Ecstasy and suicide.

Tarini Fernando¹, John D Gilbert, Christine M Carroll

¹Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.

Journal of Forensic Sciences

|March 1, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Suicides involving 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) are rare but can occur. This case highlights MDMA toxicity as a cause of suicide in a young individual, emphasizing the need for consideration in forensic toxicology.

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Area of Science:

Forensic Toxicology
Clinical Toxicology
Psychopharmacology

Background:

Deaths from ring-derivative amphetamines, such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), are uncommon.
Accidental fatalities typically involve dehydration and hyperthermia.
Suicides due to MDMA overdose are exceptionally rare.

Observation:

A 15-year-old female with a history of depression and suicide attempts was found deceased with a suicide note.
Toxicology revealed lethal serum MDMA concentrations (9.3 mg/L), along with significant levels in liver, urine, and stomach contents.
The cause of death was determined to be MDMA toxicity, with suicide as the manner of death.

Findings:

MDMA was the sole agent identified in this suicide case.
While MDMA is sometimes found in other drug-related or traumatic deaths, its isolated use in suicide is infrequent.
Such isolated MDMA suicides are predominantly observed in individuals aged 21–25 years.

Implications:

This case underscores the potential for MDMA to be used in suicide, even in younger individuals.
Forensic pathologists should consider the possibility of suicide when high levels of MDMA are detected post-mortem.
Awareness of MDMA's role in isolated suicides is crucial for accurate death investigation and public health strategies.