Suicide Cases in New Brunswick From April 2002 to May 2003: the Importance of Better Recognizing Substance and Mood Disorder Comorbidity

All suicide cases that occurred in New Brunswick during April 2002-May 2003 were investigated to determine 6-month & lifetime prevalence rates of psychopathology in the deceased. 2 psychological autopsy methods were used: direct proxy-based interviews & medical chart reviews, & telephone contacts with informants. Of the 109 suicide deaths identified by the coroner, 102 were able to be investigated. At the time of death, 65% of the victims had a mood disorder, 59% had a substance-related disorder, & 42% had concurrent mood & substance-related disorders. Study results underscore substance-related disorders as a key dimension in completed suicide. (28 refs.)