Risk Factors for Suicide Independent of DSM-III-R Axis I Disorder: Case-Control Psychological Autopsy Study in Northern Ireland

This article explores the notion that most suicide victims suffer from at least one mental disorder at the time of death. This article identifies risk factors for suicide, particularly those independent of current DSM-111-R Axis 1 disorder. The article found that the independent risk factors for suicide included: Axis 2 (personality) disorder; at least one of 12 life events during the previous 52 or 4 weeks; current unemployment; & previous history of self harm. The study concludes that suicide risk assessment may be enhanced by enquiry about the previously mentioned independent risk factors. (AK)