Anne Freuchen1, Berit Grøholt2. 1. University of Oslo, Norway Sørlandet Hospital, Norway anne.freuchen@sshf.no. 2. University of Oslo, Norway.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: By analysing the suicide notes from suicide victims 15 years and younger, we attempt to gain insight into the process leading to youth suicide and explore the characteristics of the note writers. METHOD: During a psychological autopsy on 42 youths, we were entrusted with 23 suicide notes in which we explored the themes and compared the note writers to the non-note writers. RESULTS: The key messages were as follows: explain the reason for suicide, declare love and give instructions. The note writers had showed suicidal behaviour more frequently than non-note writers. CONCLUSION: In the notes from youth suicide victims they present themselves as fully responsible and without confusion or overwhelming despair. The notes are likely equally informative as the notes of older victims.
OBJECTIVE: By analysing the suicide notes from suicide victims 15 years and younger, we attempt to gain insight into the process leading to youth suicide and explore the characteristics of the note writers. METHOD: During a psychological autopsy on 42 youths, we were entrusted with 23 suicide notes in which we explored the themes and compared the note writers to the non-note writers. RESULTS: The key messages were as follows: explain the reason for suicide, declare love and give instructions. The note writers had showed suicidal behaviour more frequently than non-note writers. CONCLUSION: In the notes from youth suicide victims they present themselves as fully responsible and without confusion or overwhelming despair. The notes are likely equally informative as the notes of older victims.
Authors: Minha Hong; Han Nah Cho; Ah Reum Kim; Hyun Ju Hong; Yong-Sil Kweon Journal: Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health Date: 2017-09-29 Impact factor: 3.033