A study of 44 PCP-related deaths

Data on 80 PCP-related deaths, occurring in a 12-month period in 1977-1978, were obtained from the files of the Los Angeles County Coroner. Of these deaths, 44 cases were evaluated by means of the psychological autopsy procedure. This procedure involves abstracting data from available records of the decedent and interviewing persons having personal or professional knowledge of the decedent's life history. Findings indicate that the decedents tended to be young minority persons with markedly disturbed personal and family backgrounds. Prior to their deaths, they had used PCP extensively and had a long history of polydrug use. Considerable psychosocial maladjustment was evident prior to their deaths, with crises and significant losses often occurring within 3 months of death.