Risk Factors of Suicides: A Retrospective Study

Authors

  • Suresh Kumar Karthikean
  • Kancharla Suresh Reddy
  • T. Sudharson
  • Veena Raja

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v15i2.14453

Keywords:

Suicides, risk factors , burns, psychological autopsy, hanging

Abstract

Introduction: “Suicide” is a fatal act that represents the person’s wish to die. The “psychological autopsy”
is a “procedure for investigating a person’s death by reconstructing what the person thought, felt and did
preceding his or her death. The present study aimed to find out the profile of those completing suicide with
regard to various factors to know the circumstances leading to suicide. Materials and method: Retrospective
diagnoses of psychiatric disorders were made by questions on 120 deceased cases of suicides, over the ages
of 15 years, both urban and rural, which were sent for medical autopsy. All these data was collected by
interviewing the close relatives and friends of the patient. Results: Most of people involved in suicide were
males belonging to age group 16-30 years while very few of them were above 60 years. Most of them were
illiterates, working as daily labourers or self employed. Among women most of them were housewives.
They were from low economic background, from the rural areas and married. The most common cause of
suicides was financial loss, stress and illness. Conclusion: Proper counselling and monitoring the intended
victims may help to reduce the number of deaths. Also the families need to be counselled regarding the
importance of family values and integrity among the family members.

Author Biographies

  • Suresh Kumar Karthikean

    Assistant Professor, Department Of Forensic Medicine, ACS Medical College and Hospital, Dr MGR
    Eduacational And Research Institute, Velappanchavadi, Chennai

  • Kancharla Suresh Reddy

    Assistant Professor, Department Of
    Psychiatry, Malla Reddy Medical College For Women,Suraram, Hyderabad

  • T. Sudharson

    Professor, Department Of Forensic
    Medicine, ACS Medical College and Hospital, Dr MGR Eduacational And Research Institute, Velappanchavadi,
    Chennai

  • Veena Raja

    Assistant Professor, Department Of Pathology, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre,
    Kattankulathur, Chennai

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Published

2021-03-24

How to Cite

Risk Factors of Suicides: A Retrospective Study. (2021). Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, 15(2), 1032-1037. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v15i2.14453