Analysing Crime Scene Data, Medical Records and Forensic Information to Determine the Causes of Suicides
Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan, cilt.34, sa.4, ss.407-412, 2024 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 34 Sayı: 4
- Basım Tarihi: 2024
- Doi Numarası: 10.29271/jcpsp.2024.04.407
- Dergi Adı: Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.407-412
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Psychological autopsy, Seasonal and temporal patterns, Suicide reasons, Suicide time
- Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
- Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Objective: To analyse crime scene data, medical records, and forensic information to unveil insights into the causes and traits of suicides. Study Design: Descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Family Medicine, Kayseri City Hospital, Kayseri, Turkiye, between January 2020 to December 2021. Methodology: A suicide investigation team (doctor, social worker, psychologist) was created to study cases and conduct on-site psychological autopsies. Triggered by emergency calls, the team interviewed suicide victims' relatives using semi-structured questionnaires, gathering data on personal details, time, method, and potential motives. Medical records revealed psychiatric history and medication use, while national judicial systems were reviewed for legal records. Results: A total of 158 fatal suicides were studied. Males accounted for 73.4%, females 26.6%. The leading cause was psychiatric illness (43%), chiefly depression (39%). Suicide peaked in the fall, especially in September, mainly at 23:00-23:59. Home was the common site (58.9%), and hanging was the primary method (44.3%). Prior hospitalisation for suicide attempts was 7.5%. Criminal records were held by 16.4% (26 individuals). Conclusion: The results support the idea that suicides have seasonal patterns and that there are temporal windows of increased risk for suicide.