Suicide and Undetermined Death in South East Scotland. A Case-Control Study Using the Psychological Autopsy Method

Retrospective case-control comparison was made of cases of suicide/undetermined death with living controls using psychological autopsy in South East Scotland. Cases & controls were matched for age, sex & mental disorder. Case controls were not found to differ significantly in severity of mental disorder. The main factors independently associated with undertermined death or suicide were: a history of deliberate self-harm; physical ill health; & engagement by mental health services. (28 refs)