Risk Factors of Suicide Death Based on Psychological Autopsy Method; a Case-Control Study.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Understanding community-specific suicide risk factors is vital for effective prevention.
• Psychological autopsy is a key method for investigating suicide deaths.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify suicide death risk factors using the psychological autopsy method.
• To compare individuals who died by suicide with a control group.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study conducted in Tehran, Iran (April-September 2017).
• Data collected via Structured Clinical Interviews (SCID-I), SUPREMISS questionnaires, and the Dickman impulsivity scale.
• Included 40 individuals in the suicide case group and 40 in the control group.

Main Results:

• Higher frequency of previous suicide attempts, family history of suicide, DSM IV Axis I disorders, and substance/alcohol use in the suicide group.
• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and substance use disorders were the most common diagnoses.
• Strongest predictors of suicide death included prior suicide attempt (OR=9.3), smoking (OR=6.4), unemployment (OR=5), and DSM IV Axis I disorders (OR=3.8).

Conclusions:

• Previous suicide attempt, smoking, unemployment, and mental disorders are significant predictors of suicide death.
• Major depressive disorder and substance use disorder are prevalent mental health issues associated with suicide.