The Psychological Autopsy: A Technique for Investigating a Hospital Suicide
Abstract
The staff of the suicide studies unit at St. Elizabeths Hospital have found the psychological autopsy useful in reviewing the circumstances surrounding the suicide of a hospitalized patient. The autopsy is aimed at determining what clues the patient gave to his lethal intentions, and how the staff handled the clues. The authors describe the technique and present case examples illustrating conclusions to which the psychological autopsy may lead.
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