Toxicology Findings in Child and Adolescent Suicides in Virginia: 1987-2003

This study analyzed Òunnatural?deaths from VirginiaÕs Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for 1987-2003. There were 2818 unnatural deaths in children & adolescents. Unnatural deaths were grouped as accidents, homicides, & suicides. Toxicology records were available for 753 cases, of which 732 were African American or Caucasian youths. The results show that there were no age differences among suicide victims & accident or homicide victims. Antidepressants were found in 39 African American & Caucasian suicide victims. (7 refs)