Psychological autopsy study of suicides by people aged under 35

Background In the past two decades the suicide rate in young people has ris en in the UK and other countries. Aims To identify the characteristics of people aged under 35 who commit sui cide. Method Psychological autopsy study with case-control design. Cases were 84 suicides and probable suicides (open verdicts). Controls were 64 age- and g ender-matched non-suicides obtained through the general practices of-the ma tched cases. Main variables: social, including employment status, marital s tatus and living circumstances; life events and interpersonal difficulties; clinical, including current psychiatric disorder, alcohol and drug misuse, previous self-harm and personality disorder. Results A large number of highly significant social, interpersonal and clin ical differences between suicides and controls was found. Factor analysis i dentified two groups of variables within each of the social, interpersonal and clinical domains which were independently linked to suicide, correspond ing to: acute, severe mental disorder and chronic disorder of behaviour; ro otlessness and social withdrawal; chronic and recent interpersonal problems . Conclusions Abroad prevention strategy is needed to reverse the recent rise in the suicide rate in young people. Declaration of interest None of the authors has any conflict of interest re lating to this paper. Funding was provided by the Northwest NHS Executive.