Psychological Autopsy of Suicide cases in Vadodara region of Gujarat

Background: Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in India. Yet, it remains very little understood phenomena. “How can someone take his own life?” is the question that perplexes the researchers all over the world. Psychological autopsy is a tool to go into the reasons behind the suicide. Aims & Objectives: The present study was undertaken to know if psychological autopsy can be used as a tool to identify the reasons behind suicide and to understand suicide better. Methods: The present study has been carried out in the Department of Forensic Medicine, S.S.G. Hospital and Medical College, Baroda prospectively during the one year period from March 2013 to February 2014. All the cases brought to the department for medico-legal autopsy with alleged history of suicide were selected and studied in detail. Results: In this study the peak occurrence of cases (38.3% cases) was between 12 Pm?6 Pm. Only 5 cases had history of previous attempt of suicide. Most common cause of suicide was family disturbance or social problem. Almost all cases were from low and middle income group families. Conclusion: Most common reason behind suicide was social problems, family disturbances, prolonged illness and financial loss. Hence an adequate support system has to be established for this group to prevent the suicide. ?