Psychological Autopsy in Adolescent Suicide: Evaluating Risk Factors and Research Methods
Psychiatry Investig. 2025 May;22(5):475-489. doi: 10.30773/pi.2024.0256. Epub 2025 May 15.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The primary purpose of this literature review is to explore and integrate findings from various psychological autopsy (PA) studies to identify critical risk factors associated with adolescent suicide and evaluate the methodologies employed in these investigations.
METHODS: A systematic review of 15 studies reporting psychological autopsies of adolescent suicides was conducted. Data sources included databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and RISS. Studies were selected based on empirical research focused on adolescent suicides, conducted since 1970, and written in English. Two reviewers independently screened and selected studies, with a third reviewer resolving any disagreements. The studies were analyzed for sample characteristics, included variables, and specific features of the PA methodology.
RESULTS: The review identified consistent findings across studies, highlighting the significant role of mental illnesses and sociodemographic factors in adolescent suicides. Methodological variations were noted in interview timing, source selection, and the use of semi-structured interviews. The review also emphasized the importance of comprehensive data collection, including social network and mobile activity data, to better understand suicide risk factors. Key challenges identified include retrospective data bias and cultural differences affecting the generalizability of findings.
CONCLUSION: The review underscores the need for standardized PA procedures, particularly tailored to adolescents, to improve the reliability and validity of findings. The consistent association of psychiatric disorders with suicide risk emphasizes the urgent need for effective mental health interventions. Future research should focus on developing ethical, culturally sensitive, and methodologically rigorous approaches to enhance the understanding and prevention of adolescent suicide.
J Med Internet Res. 2025 May 23;27:e58947. doi: 10.2196/58947.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Appropriate outcome assessment strategies and high-quality trials are critical to advancing care of patients with acute...
Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2025 May 23;29(1):107. doi: 10.1007/s10006-025-01403-w.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: This study explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the patterns, mechanisms, and clinical management of...
J Emerg Nurs. 2025 May 22:S0099-1767(25)00137-0. doi: 10.1016/j.jen.2025.04.007. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION: Workplace violence in health care settings, especially in emergency departments, is a significant...
JAMA Netw Open. 2025 May 1;8(5):e2511922. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.11922.ABSTRACTIMPORTANCE: Large language models (LLMs) and text-embedding models have shown potential in assessing mental health risks based on...
JAMA Netw Open. 2025 May 1;8(5):e2512081. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.12081.ABSTRACTIMPORTANCE: Suicide risk may be elevated among individuals who separate from military service with a character of discharge...
