An 8-Year Retrospective Study on Suicides in Washington, DC

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Forensic Science
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The United States has experienced a rising suicide rate over the past decade.
• Washington D.C. presents a contrasting trend with a generally lower suicide rate compared to national averages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze suicide trends and contributing factors within Washington D.C. from 2009 to 2016.
• To provide data that can inform public health interventions and guide forensic practices.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 394 suicide cases in Washington D.C. between 2009 and 2016.
• Examination of medical history, toxicology results, and suicide methods.
• Demographic analysis including age and sex of decedents.

Main Results:

• The most common suicide methods were hanging (31.2%), firearms (20.3%), and drug intoxication (15.7%).
• The average age of decedents was 44.5 years, with males (77.9%) accounting for a higher proportion than females (22.1%).
• Toxicology revealed frequent involvement of ethanol (26.4%), antidepressants (20.1%), opioids (14.9%), and benzodiazepines (12.9%), though no drugs were detected in 33.7% of cases. Ethanol was present in multiple suicide methods.

Conclusions:

• Suicide in D.C. involves specific demographic patterns and common methods like hanging and firearms.
• Toxicological findings, particularly ethanol and prescription/illicit drug use, are significant factors in suicide cases.
• The study advocates for comprehensive toxicological analysis and autopsies in all suicide investigations to aid public health efforts.