B L Chaudhary (MD), Dinesh Kataria (MD), Dr. Sandeep Kumar Mittan
Vol. 1, Jan-Jun 2016
Abstract:
Introduction: Accurate information about preferred suicide methods is important for devising strategies and programmes for suicide prevention. Globally, an estimated 815,000 people killed themselves in 2000, making suicide the 13th leading cause of death Objective: The aim of this study is to provide the comprehensive overview of epidemiology, magnitude and patterns of suicide methods. Methods: This is a 5 years (1st Jan. 2006 to 31st Dec. 2010) retrospective review of autopsies conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Lady Harding Medical College (LHMC), New Delhi. The selected cases were studied in detail as to the age, sex, method employed for committing suicide etc. Results: Total 2273 autopsies were conducted during these five year period. Out of total, 315 (11.35%) deaths were of suicide i.e 10.89 suicide/100000 per year. The preferred methods of suicide were poisoning and hanging 43.17% and 40.95% respectively. Self-immolation stands third (11.42%) commonest method of suicide. The majority (n=192, 60.95%) were in the reproductive age group 20-40 yr in both gender. Poisoning by pesticide was common. Male and female ratio of suicide deaths was 2.66:1. Conclusion: Suicide as a social pathology, our study reveals 11.35% suicidal cases of total medico-legal deaths which is quite important figure in the society and requires preventive measures in the social context.