A Psychological Autopsy Study Based on 626 German Police Records

Abstract

Objective In Germany roughly 10.000 persons commit suicide per year. To develop prevention strategies data regarding risk factors and potential interventions. Methods We performed a psychological autopsy study based on police records from the Bavarian Allgäu in southern Germany. Results We were able to analyse data on 626 suicides. The population studied showed numerous risk factors for suicide including mental illnesses in 50â Š% of the cases. Three quarters of the suicides had negative life events and nearly 50â Š% had announced their suicide. Conclusions In the population studied mental illness alone was not a sufficient predictor for suicide. Rather, an interaction between mental illness, psychosocial crisis and other factors may explain and predict suicides. Suicide prevention should better address the needs of relatives and family doctors and offer specific low-Threshold services.