Psychological autopsy: a shared model is possible?

• In Event: Crime and Mental Health

Abstract

From its inception to today the technique of Psychological Autopsy (PA) has spread to be applied in different fields, especially in the field of research. Over the years, many authors have pointed out that one of the limitations of this tool is the lack of a shared standard. We therefore conducted a systematic review of the literature focusing on the methodology of applying the PA to cases of suicide. The research, performed on Scopus, Embase and Pubmed to cover the last 20 years led to 321 reports, of which 15 met inclusion criteria. Results confirmed mental illness as the main risk factor for suicide, followed by specific socio-demographic factors and life events. From a methodological point of view, the scenario is still heterogeneous, both in terms of the variables considered and in terms of data collection. An initial standardization process seems to emerge, however, at least as regards the evaluation of the psychiatric condition, which is confirmed as the main risk factor for suicidal behavior. However, to guarantee this technique a future application both in the field of research and forensics it will be important to define a standard and shared guidelines that allow the reproducibility and reliability of PA, as well as its admission in legal proceedings.

Authors

• Federico Pacchioni, Vita-Salute S. Raffaele University

• Giacomo Mercuriali, Vita-Salute S. Raffaele University

• Guido Travaini, Vita-Salute S. Raffaele University