Introduction:
The elderly population has the highest suicide rate and that they are also more
likely to be successful in their attempts than their younger counterparts.
After the elderly, adolescents age group has the second highest suicide rate in this
country. Reports are there which claims that depression can occur in as young as
puberty, but there are cases documented of suicides committed by children as
young as three years old.
However, it is believed that the suicides of many children are concealed and it is
most likely that the suicide mortality for youth and adolescents is actually higher
than recorded.
Studies have also shown that, unlike in adults, there is no significant difference
between adolescent suicide victims who have and do not have diagnosed
psychiatric disorders.
Some of the disorders that are often seen in adolescent suicide victims are major
depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse/ dependence and conduct disorder.
Homicidal ideation is also quite common among these troubled youths.It may be
remembered here that the most important aspect of psychology is the integrity of
the patient and in psychological autopsy, the patient is the deceased.
Always all facts and data to be handled with the utmost care and respect. However,
three points deserve particular attention here:
integrity of the deceased
respect of the interviewees and
health of the investigators.
One should also be aware of the fact that unless there is a court order, all witnesses
are entitled to refuse interviews.
Psychological autopsies also has a potential problem that all who participate may
contaminate the results of this delicate process needing proper caution and security
on data colleted.