Comparative Analysis of Suicide, Accidental, and Undetermined Cause of Death Classification

Abstract

Suicide determination is not standardized across medical examiners, and many suspected suicides are later classified as accidental or undetermined. The present study investigated patterns between these three groups using a Medical Examiner database and 633 structured interviews with next of kin. There were similarities across all three classification groups, including rates of mental illness and psychiatric symptoms. Those classified suicide were more likely to be male, to have died in a violent fashion, and have a stronger family history of suicide. Physical pain was very common, but acute pain vs. chronic pain distinguished the suicide group.

Incidence Rates of Deliberate Self-Harm in Denmark 1994–2011

“…Although more studies have been conducted within suicidology over recent decades, the validity and reliability of statistics have been questioned and detection bias is commonly suggested (Bertolote & Fleischmann, 2005; Gray et al, 2014; Kapusta, Tran, & Rockett, 2011; Tollefsen, Hem, & Ekeberg, 2012). In order to avoid underreporting, registration of both fatal and nonfatal suicidal outcomes should be standardized within individual countries and between countries (Data and Surveillance Task Force of the National Action Alliance for Suicide & Prevention, 2014; De Leo et al, 2013; Kapusta et al, 2011).…”

Long-lasting antinociceptive effects of green light in acute and chronic pain in rats

“…On average, 261–300 billion dollars are spent annually to manage pain and 297–336 billion dollars are lost to work nonproductivity [36]. Additionally, the emotional tax from chronic pain has resulted in life altering events ranging from shattering family unity [72] to suicide attempts [26; 29; 32]. Options for treatment of acute, post-operative pain as well as for chronic pain are limited and many drugs are marginally effective [22] and often accompanied by severe side-effects [19].…”

Clinical Prediction of Suicide and Undetermined Death: A Pseudo-Prospective Clinical and Medico-Legal Study of Substance Abusers

“…These are usually regarded as the second most common diagnosis among suicide victims after depression, and have been related to deaths of undetermined intent [8,9,10]. In population-based surveys, suicide and death of undetermined intent are usually combined in the analyses [11,12], and similarities have been shown between the two groups in several studies [13,14,15]. However, although there are similarities between these manners of death, differences in background variables have been highlighted recently [10], as well as similarities between accidental overdoses and death with undetermined intent rather than with suicide in substance use disorders [16].…”