Psychiatric and Psychosocial Factors of Suicide Decedents and Survivor of Suicide Loss: Psychological Autopsy Study of Incheon City in South Korea

In South Korea, the suicide rate is more than double the OECD average, and precise identification of the cause is required for suicide prevention. Psychological autopsy is used to reveal factors related to suicidal behavior; however, such studies are lacking in Korea. This study investigated the factors related to suicide using psychological autopsies in Incheon, a major city in Korea. In total, 46 cases were investigated using the Korea-Psychological Autopsy Checklist (K-PAC), and data on mental health conditions and psychosocial factors of suicide decedents and their families were analyzed. It was estimated that 87% of individuals of suicides had a mental health condition before death, but only 15.2% continued treatment or counseling. Most individuals who died of suicide showed warning signs before death, but only 19.6% of survivors of suicide loss noticed them. Mental health concerns before and after the death of the individual were also identified in more than half of their families. To prevent suicide, intensive and continuous treatment for psychiatric conditions and prompt recognition of active response to suicide warning signs are required. Care for the mental health of family members is also important.

Automated summary

This study used psychological autopsies to investigate factors related to suicide in Incheon, South Korea. The findings showed that 87% of suicide victims had mental health conditions before their death, but only 15.2% received treatment or counseling. Warning signs were present in most individuals who died by suicide, but only 19.6% of survivors noticed them. Mental health concerns were also identified in over half of the families of the deceased. Intensive and continuous treatment for psychiatric conditions, prompt recognition of suicide warning signs, and care for the mental health of family members are crucial for suicide prevention.