Psychological Autopsy of Suicide Cases in Bhavnagar Region of Gujarat, India

Current study was undertaken at the Mortuary complex of Sir T. Hospital, Bhavnagar to evaluate, whether psychological autopsy is an important tool to unravel associated factors responsible for suicide and to know the underlying causes responsible for suicide, so that in future, any preventive strategy could be made on these factors to reduce the rate of suicide. . Out of all the cases brought for postmortem examination during the period of 1st June 2010 to 31st May 2011, 110 cases were selected based on Inclusion-exclusion criteria. Proforma was filled by interviewing the Relatives and Friends of deceased, who accompany the dead body. And Data collected was subjected to analysis which revealed that 85% of suicide cases being in 15-44 yrs age group, 4. 93% Cases committed suicide at their Homes, Only 7% committed at other places, such as Workplace, Farm&Roadside, Illiterate - 8%, up to 7th standard - 40%, up to 12th standard - 44%, while education above graduation- only 8%, and None above/equal to post-graduation. So, Psychological Autopsy helps in determining the factors responsible for suicide.