Self-immolation Suicide in Greece: A Forensic Psychiatric Autopsy Study between 2011 and 2019

Area of Science:

• Forensic Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Sociology

Background:

• Self-immolation is a rare suicide method globally, with varying prevalence rates between Western and developing countries.
• Understanding the specific characteristics and motivations behind self-immolation in different cultural contexts is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To forensically examine self-immolation suicides in mainland Greece over a 9-year period (2011-2019).
• To identify victim characteristics, motivations, and associations with socio-cultural or psychiatric factors.
• To describe a fatal case of suicide by self-immolation.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective examination of 19 medical files, including autopsy reports, from forensic medicine departments in Attiki, Thrace, and Peloponnese.
• Analysis of case data to identify demographic, psychiatric, and socio-cultural variables.

Main Results:

• An estimated 3.7% prevalence of suicide by self-immolation among suicide fatalities in Greece.
• Greek self-immolation victims were predominantly elderly, with a mean age significantly higher than in other countries.
• A strong correlation was found between self-immolation and poorly controlled mental disorders (affective and adjustment disorders).
• No significant association with domestic/sexual violence, social/political protest, or religious issues was observed.
• Victims preferred secluded or private outdoor locations for the act.

Conclusions:

• Self-immolation in Greece presents unique characteristics, particularly the advanced age of victims and strong links to mental disorders.
• The phenomenon's drivers in Greece differ from those in Western and Asian/African countries, suggesting a distinct cultural positioning.
• Findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive mental health interventions and suicide prevention programs in Greece.