Psychological Autopsy — An Effective Method for the Positive Diagnosis of Suicide in Schizophrenia

Hădărean V², Sălcudean Andreea¹, Gaboș-Grecu I^1,2, Gaboș-Grecu Marieta^1,2, Buicu Gabriela², Sălcudean D³, Stanciu Camelia⁴

1 Psychiatric Clinic 1, Tîrgu Mureș
2 University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tîrgu Mureș
3 Law firm, Tîrgu Mureș
4 ”Dimitrie Cantemir” University of Psychology, Tîrgu Mureș

Purpose: This paper aims to analyze suicide in schizophrenia in terms of application of psychological autopsy.
Material and methods: We studied 53 persons who committed suicide between 2000–2009. We carried a series of interviews with people close to the persons who committed suicide, to analyze the motivation behind the suicidal act. The method chosen for the interviews was empathic post-suicide listening in parallel with a questionnaire.
Results: Disorganized and paranoid types of schizophrenia have led to most victims. 22.6% of the persons who committed suicide had auditory hallucinations with imperative suiciding character.
Conclusions: Detecting suicidal motivations and their understanding plays an important role in shaping a socio-psychological or a psychopathological profile by interpreting sociological, familial parameters, with emphasis on the personal dynamics of selfdestructing behavior, adult characteristics and identification of the persons with an increased suicide risk.