Citation

Manoranjitham SD, Rajkumar AP, Thangadurai P, Prasad J, Jayakaran R, Jacob KS. Br. J. Psychiatry 2010; 196(1): 26-30.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Royal College of Psychiatry)

DOI

10.1192/bjp.bp.108.063347

PMID

20044655

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The relative contributions of psychosocial stress and psychiatric morbidity to suicide are a subject of debate. AIMS: To determine major risk factors for suicide in rural south India. METHOD: We used a matched case-control design and psychological autopsy to assess 100 consecutive suicides and 100 living controls matched for age, gender and neighbourhood. RESULTS: Thirty-seven (37%) of those who died by suicide had a DSM-III-R psychiatric diagnosis. Alcohol dependence (16%) and adjustment disorders (15%) were the most common categories. The prevalence rates for schizophrenia, major depressive episode and dysthymia were 2% each. Ongoing stress and chronic pain heightened the risk of suicide. Living alone and a break in a steady relationship within the past year were also significantly associated with suicide. CONCLUSIONS: Psychosocial stress and social isolation, rather than psychiatric morbidity, are risk factors for suicide in rural south India.

Language: en