Discussion Psychological autopsy (analysis of suicide deaths)

[JesiBel]

While searching for information on the procedures performed after a death by suicide, I found this information. Have you heard of this type of "research"?

I don't know how common it is in practice, but at least in my country, the Academy of Forensic Sciences includes it as documentation (pdf attached at the end).

_________

Psychological autopsy (analysis of suicide deaths)

A psychological autopsy (PA) is the reconstruction of events leading to death; ascertainment of the circumstances of the death, including suicidal intent; and an in-depth exploration of other significant risk factors for suicide.

It involves the systematic and comprehensive exploration of the deceased person's life to determine the psychological, social, and environmental factors that contributed to their suicide. Mental diseases, drug abuse, psychological states, cultural, family and social situations, genetics, trauma or loss experiences, and nihilism are all factors that influence the likelihood of suicide. Substance abuse and mental illness frequently coexist. Other risk factors include having attempted suicide before, having a means to end one's life readily available, having a family history of suicide, or having traumatic brain damage.

This method is particularly useful when the individual has not sought mental health treatment or when their medical history is unavailable.

Questionnaire for psychological autopsy:

Spoiler

Table - PMC

The objective of this study is to provide an overview of the psychological autopsy (PA) research method, including its methodology, uses, limitations, and ethical considerations. The study conducted a PA investigation on 35 cases of suicide. ...

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Categorization:

1) Diagnosed psychiatric disorder: This category includes questions related to the diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder, such as bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia. The questions in this category may ask about the presence of specific symptoms that are associated with a particular disorder or about the diagnosis itself.

2) Past suicidal behavior: This category includes questions related to any previous suicidal thoughts, plans or attempts. The questions in this category may ask about the frequency, intensity, and timing of these behaviors.

3) Depressive symptoms: This category includes questions related to the presence and severity of depressive symptoms, such as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. The questions in this category may also ask about changes in appetite and sleep patterns.

4) Anxiety related symptoms: This category includes questions related to the presence and severity of anxiety-related symptoms, such as excessive worry, panic attacks, and social anxiety. The questions in this category may also ask about physical symptoms, such as sweating, trembling, and palpitations.

5) Psychotic symptoms: This category includes questions related to the presence and severity of psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. The questions in this category may also ask about changes in behavior, such as social withdrawal and agitation.

6) Presence of stressor: This category includes questions related to the presence of a recent or ongoing stressful event, such as a death of a loved one, a divorce, or a job loss. The questions in this category may also ask about coping strategies and social support.

7) Presence of substance abuse: This category includes questions related to the presence and severity of substance abuse, such as alcohol and drug use. The questions in this category may also ask about the frequency and quantity of substance use, as well as any negative consequences associated with use.

The psychological autopsy application in the criminal field becomes even more functional when the historical and circumstantial data are unclear. For example, when the information provided by relatives is conflicting or insufficient to reconstruct a clear sequence of events. Although a psychological autopsy does not offer conclusive evidence, it provides admissible clues in legal contexts.

This tool is not a replacement for forensic and medical-legal investigations. Instead, it has to be considered a complementary tool to be adopted by experts in the field appointed by the judicial authority to find additional evidence through a validated method.

Moreover, the psychological autopsy, which originated as a support for the medico-legal diagnosis of suicides, has now evolved into a tool that can be useful in many other areas apart from the forensic field. Over time, it has become a significant asset in fields like forensic psychology, psychiatry, and criminology.

Sources:

Spoiler

The psychological autopsy: An overview of its utility and methodology - PMC

The objective of this study is to provide an overview of the psychological autopsy (PA) research method, including its methodology, uses, limitations, and ethical considerations. The study conducted a PA investigation on 35 cases of suicide. ...

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

https://www.mdpi.com/2673-6756/4/4/44

https://www.acfra.org.ar/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/la-autopsia-psicologica.pdf

 

[angelalexandra]

I havent heard of this before, but as part of my writing notes to peoples ive sort of drafted a "note to the coroner" with a broader, more big picture view of why i want to ctb than any of my individual friends would get, plus more importantly, things that would prevent my death if they changed. i doubt theyd actually care about it that much, let alone consider changing anything about how the shitty support systems that were supposed to help me work, but i feel its important for me to write nonetheless.

 

[Gustav Hartmann]

If all that you have is a hammer, everything starts to look like a nail.
If all that you have is psychology, everything starts to look like psychiatric disorder.

There should be at least the cathegory "Other reasons for suicide". This would cover pysical illnesses like cancer, Alzheimer or old age.

More than 100 years ago, Emile Durkheim made a different approach and defined four types of suicide: Egoistic, altruistic, anomic and fatalistic. For him was suicide not a psychologic but a social problem.

 

[Forever Sleep]

That's interesting. I had no idea they did things like this. I suppose it's actually pretty sensible if the goal is trying to predict and prevent things getting so bad that people suicide in future.

The funny, slightly pathetic thing is- they'd likely get next to nothing from the family I would have left. I wonder how many people even tell their families that much. I guess it depends how close and supportive they are. Even my Dad would be pretty clueless though. Asides from some vague impression that I was struggling with work and finances but- who isn't?!!

What @angelalexandra said about leaving a note makes sense though. It feels a bit distressing that families might get pestered with paperwork. My intention was to try to relieve them all the hassle following a death. I'm hoping my solicitor will take care of most of it. That's got to open up wounds though really: 'So, why do you think your loved one was so miserable that they topped themselves?'

I suppose I'm sort of surprised they appear to even care! I wonder what happens to that information though. Do they use it to point at the systems that failed in 'supporting' that person? It doesn't seem like it! I wonder if they do it in the UK.