The Psychological Autopsy and Determination of Child Suicides: a Survey of Medical Examiners

This study explored the decision-making processes of medical examiners in the determination of child suicide. 94 American medical examiners completed a survey regarding those factors considered when making a child suicide determination, sources of information used, & considerations in acccident versus suicide classifications. Well-known risk factors such as suicide notes were considered by virtually all participants, but other risk factors, for example substance abuse, were not consistently taken into consideration. Common sources of information included informant interviews & review of records. Results indicate age & evidence of intent are critical considerations in this process. (40 refs.)