A Comparison of Suicide and Non-Suicide Deaths Involving Psychotropic Drugs in Four Major U.S. Cities

Studied 651 deaths involving psychotropic drugs & recorded with the Coroner’s or Medical Examiner’s Office in 4 major US cities. 36% were listed as “Definitely Suicide” & 44% were listed as “Nonsuicide”. Compared age, sex, race, occupational category & type of drug used for each of these 2 groups, by city. The suicide group tended to be older, from higher occupational levels, more often female, underrepresented by blacks & associated with barbiturates, analgesics &/or sedatives.