1
|
Eynan R, Shah R, Heisel MJ, Eden D, Jhirad R, Links PS. Last Words: Are There Differences in Psychosocial and Clinical Antecedents Among Suicide Decedents Who Leave E-Notes, Paper Notes, or No Note? Suicide Life Threat Behav 2019; 49:1379-1394. [PMID: 30272376 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Only a minority of suicide decedents leave a suicide note. Typically, the notes are handwritten on paper; however, electronic suicide notes have been reported with increasing frequency. This emerging phenomenon remains generally under-researched. The aim of this study was to compare the psychosocial and clinical antecedents of suicide decedents who left E-notes with those who left paper notes or no notes. METHOD The study was embedded in the Southwestern Ontario Suicide Study (SOSS). The SOSS was a three-year case series of consecutive deaths by suicide that occurred in the region between 2012 and 2014. Data on psychosocial and clinical antecedents were collected with a modified version of the Manchester questionnaire used in the UK. RESULTS Of the 476 suicides files reviewed, 45.8% contained a suicide note. A total of 383 separate suicide notes were left: 74.3% were paper notes and 25.7% were E-notes. The results of the multivariate regression analyses indicate that the likelihood of leaving a suicide note was negatively associated with a history of admissions to a mental health unit, while the likelihood of leaving an E-note was negatively associated with age, positively associated with presence of a mental disorder, and negatively associated with history of hospital admissions. CONCLUSIONS Future studies with larger samples need to consider the timing of the text messages, and appraise whether there was the intent of seeking help or rescue in the text messages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahel Eynan
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Ravi Shah
- Department of Psychiatry, London Health Sciences Centre University Hospital, London, ON, Canada
| | - Marnin Jori Heisel
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - David Eden
- Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Reuven Jhirad
- Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Paul S Links
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Behera C, Rautji R, Pratap Anuragi R, Niwas Yadav R. Suicide note written on the forearm using a sharp pointed object. Med Leg J 2019; 87:92-94. [PMID: 31244405 DOI: 10.1177/0025817219845234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Suicide notes are generally written on readily available materials, such as paper, notebook, wall or mirror by means of pen, pencil, marker or chalk. They can also be communicated by telephone, text messages, internet and digital media. A case has been reported where a note was written with henna. Suicide notes written on one's body are uncommon, and notes engraved on the body with a sharp metallic object are extremely rare. We present two cases where a sharp pointed metallic object was used to write suicide notes on the body.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chittaranjan Behera
- 1 Department of Forensic Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ravi Rautji
- 2 Department of Forensic Medicine, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, India
| | - Ramesh Pratap Anuragi
- 1 Department of Forensic Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ram Niwas Yadav
- 1 Department of Forensic Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
A rebus to say goodbye: a suicide note on a bedsheet. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2017; 13:500-503. [PMID: 28668986 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-017-9895-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
4
|
An unusual pattern of tattooing in the form of body designing: A case report. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejfs.2015.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
5
|
MacIsaac MB, Bugeja LC, Jelinek GA. The association between exposure to interpersonal violence and suicide among women: a systematic review. Aust N Z J Public Health 2016; 41:61-69. [DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.12594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2016] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael B. MacIsaac
- St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne; Victoria
- The University of Melbourne; Victoria
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Karbeyaz K, Toygar M, Çelikel A. Completed suicide among University student in Eskisehir, Turkey. J Forensic Leg Med 2016; 44:111-115. [PMID: 27744134 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2016.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In this study student suicides are classified as a distinct group in Eskisehir-a city located in the western part of our country and famous as a student city. The study aims at describing demographic and suicide specification of cases and compare some important issues between males and females. METHOD All the judicially deaths in Eskisehir in a 12 year period between 2004 and 2015 have been evaluated. 75 cases that were deemed as suicide cases as a result of criminal investigation have been included in the study. RESULTS It was determined that hanging method was the most frequently used method and the number of male was more. It was determined that the majority of them were the students living away from their families. Definite or possible psychiatric disorder was identified as the most important risk factor. It was observed that there were significant differences in terms of risk factors between male and female students. Males have been found as more prominent in case of definite or possible psychiatric disorders, alcohol and substance abuse, love and romantic tangles; females have been found as more prominent in case of family problems and social pressure, and repeated suicide attempts. DISCUSSION Compared to the general population love and romantic problems are more prevalent in this group. It is observed that university students left suicide notes more than the general population. Sharing this study with the university administrations could be helpful in undertaking the necessary precautions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adnan Çelikel
- Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Forensic, Hatay, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hekimoglu Y, Esen Melez I, Canturk N, Erkol ZZ, Dizdar MG, Canturk G, Melez DO, Kir Z. A descriptive study of female suicide deaths from 2005 to 2011 in Van city, Turkey. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2016; 16:20. [PMID: 27107719 PMCID: PMC4842277 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-016-0299-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female suicide is an important problem not only for women but for public health in general. METHODS Autopsy reports from the Van Chief Public Prosecutor's Office from 2005 to 2011 were reviewed retrospectively in order to analyse female deaths from suicide. RESULTS Sixty-six female suicide cases were recorded during 2005-2011. The mean age of the cases was 22.64 (sd = 10.09) years, and nine were below the age of 15. The most common method of suicide was hanging (44 cases, 66.7 %). Five (7.6 %) of the cases were under treatment for depression, and 12 (18.2 %) cases had a previous suicide attempt. CONCLUSIONS Cultural suppression of females and prevention of their socialization in enclave societies are risk factors for female suicides. The number of female suicide attempts, especially recurring attempts, should be reduced via psychiatric scanning, follow-up sessions and therapy for high-risk individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yavuz Hekimoglu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey
| | - Ipek Esen Melez
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nergis Canturk
- Department of Criminalistics, Institute of Forensic Sciences, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Z Zerrin Erkol
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Gokhan Dizdar
- Manisa Branch Office, Ministry of Justice Council of Forensic Medicine, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Gurol Canturk
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Ziya Kir
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Byard RW. Evidence of Premeditation in Skin Messages in Suicide. J Forensic Sci 2016; 61:566-568. [PMID: 27049851 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
A 34-year-old man with manic-depressive disorder was found dead sitting in a vehicle with a hose running from the exhaust pipe to the cabin. Numerous suicide notes were found inside his house. At autopsy, the decedent was wearing jeans and a long-sleeved windcheater. Upon removal of his clothes, a series of messages were also found written on the legs and forearm. Death was due to carbon monoxide toxicity with a blood level of carboxyhemoglobin of 84%. Skin messages represent a rare form of suicide note that may suggest that a suicide has not been planned, as the decedent may have used the nearest surface to write on. This case demonstrates, however, that skin messages may be more organized, being written prior to dressing and setting up the fatal episode. They also may compliment other notes and messages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roger W Byard
- The University of Adelaide School of Medical Sciences, Frome Road, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.,Forensic Science SA, 21 Divett Place, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Suicide messages on the skin are rare. Until now, in all reported cases, the writing tool used by the victims has been a pen. We report a suicide case by hanging in which the victim had written a note on her palm in mehndi, or henna, at a wedding ceremony three days before the fatal act. The note was discovered at autopsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chittaranjan Behera
- Department of Forensic Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajanikanta Swain
- Department of Forensic Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Daya Nand Bhardwaj
- Department of Forensic Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Tabin Millo
- Department of Forensic Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tumram NK, Ambade VN. Engraved Suicide Notes: The Last Note Written on Body by Metallic Object. J Forensic Sci 2015; 61 Suppl 1:S256-8. [PMID: 26258290 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Revised: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
"Suicide notes" are the notes, where the victim has documented the intention to terminate one's own life. The victim generally writes them on a paper, notebook, wall, or mirror by means of pen or marker. However, suicide notes written on one's own body are very rare, and suicide note engraved by some metallic objects over body has not yet reported. We present two cases where the victim had used some metallic objects to write a message on the body. These may be termed "engraved suicide notes." We believe these to be the first reported cases where a metallic object was used for engraving the last notes on the body before committing suicide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nilesh Keshav Tumram
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Government Medical College, Nagpur, 440 003, Maharashtra State, India
| | - Vipul Namdeorao Ambade
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Government Medical College, Nagpur, 440 003, Maharashtra State, India
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Karbeyaz K, Akkaya H, Balci Y, Urazel B. Analysis of Suicide Notes: An experience in Eskişehir City. Noro Psikiyatr Ars 2014; 51:275-279. [PMID: 28360638 DOI: 10.4274/npa.y7000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2012] [Accepted: 01/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is estimated that a million people around the world die by suicide each year. It has been reported that a note was left in 5%-43% of the suicides. In this study, it we aimed to evaluate and discuss suicide notes in our city which is situated in Western Anatolia and where several universities are located. METHOD All forensic deaths in Eskişehir in 10-year period between 2001 and 2011 were evaluated. Forensic investigation files were assessed. After investigation, Out of 399 cases, 168 (42.1%) cases, who were determined to have left a suicide letter, telephone message (sms) or message via social network sites, were included in the scope of the study. RESULTS It was found that 95 (56.5%) of all cases had left a suicide letter, 69 (41.1%) cases had sent a telephone message to a person or more than one person, 4 (2.4%) cases had written notes about suicide and death in social networking sites. CONCLUSION A suicide note is an important finding in suicide cases to clarify the case. However, the note should be confirmed by investigation to be accepted as evidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenan Karbeyaz
- Forensic Medicine Institution, Eskişehir Branch Office, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Harun Akkaya
- Forensic Medicine Institution Presidency, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Balci
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Faculty of Medicine, Muğla, Turkey
| | - Beyza Urazel
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Faculty of Medicine, Eskişehir, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Behera C, Karthik K, Dogra T, Lalwani S, Millo T, Singh S. E-suicide note: A newer trend and its medico-legal implications in India. Med Leg J 2014; 82:80-82. [PMID: 24852362 DOI: 10.1177/0025817213514157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Rapid advancements of information and communication technology in the form of electronic mails, mobile phones, social networking sites, etc have an increasing impact on people's day to day life. It has been observed that these readily available applications are used frequently to express suicidal intentions. There are many studies on conventional handwritten suicide notes but suicide note in electronic format is an emerging issue and an under-researched phenomena. The authors have termed it as "E-suicide note" and discuss its medico-legal implications in India with examples from their observations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Behera
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Krishna Karthik
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Td Dogra
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - S Lalwani
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - T Millo
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sr Singh
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Behera C, Rautji R, Krishna K, Kumar A, Gupta SK. Suicide note on the palm: three case reports and discussion of medico-legal aspects. MEDICINE, SCIENCE, AND THE LAW 2014; 54:84-87. [PMID: 23986149 DOI: 10.1177/0025802413496410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Suicide notes are usually written by the victim on paper or readily accessible things such as notebooks, walls or mirrors. Though writing may be found on the body of the deceased, suicide notes in a structured manner written on the palm have not been reported in forensic literature. In all the three cases presented here, we found a handwritten note on the palm of the deceased at the time of autopsy. The victims had written a brief note in their own handwriting, citing the reasons for ending their lives. The suicide note in one case also mentioned details regarding the custody of the victim's children to be given to her mother. Since we have not found similar cases in the literature, we present and discuss our three cases herein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Behera
- Department of Forensic Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, India
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Austin AE, Byard RW. Skin messages in suicide--an unusual occurrence. J Forensic Leg Med 2013; 20:618-20. [PMID: 23910845 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2013.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Revised: 12/27/2012] [Accepted: 03/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Notes are found in only a minority of cases of suicide and occasionally may involve writing messages on skin surfaces. A prospective study was undertaken for cases of suicide with skin messaging over a 12-year period from 1/1/2000 to 31/12/2011. A total of 498 cases of suicide were examined with only 2 cases (0.4%) having suicide notes written on their skin. Both cases involved young males (aged 18 and 30 years respectively) with the deaths occurring by hanging. In both cases typical parchmented ligature marks were present around the neck running up to the point of suspension. Both decedents had written messages on their hands/arms expressing mixtures of sorrow and hopelessness. There were no other suicide notes present. It is not clear whether writing on skin rather than on more conventional material suggests that the suicide may not have been planned, or instead that the decedent wanted to ensure that the message was found. Messages on skin may be slightly different to messages written on other surfaces, as space is limited and pens and markers may not write as effectively. An additional problem with skin messages is their vulnerability to erasure, making clear documentation of these findings at the scene important.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Austin
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Frome Rd, Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Buschmann C, Guddat S, Tsokos M. Abschiedsbrief auf dem Körper nach genitaler Selbstbeschädigung. Rechtsmedizin (Berl) 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s00194-010-0683-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|