A descriptive analysis of suicide deaths and application of the Psychological Autopsy method during the period 2013–2015 in the region of Osona (Barcelona, Spain)

Abstract Introduction The aim of the present study is to describe the pattern of suicide deaths in the region of Osona (Barcelona) during the period 2013–2015, and to analyse the use of the Psychological Autopsy (PA) method. Material and methods It is a retrospective design using the suicide deaths register (n = 31). The PA sample (n = 14) was composed of adult relatives and close friends, recruited from the Consorci Hospitalari de Vic . The PA method was performed using the Semi-Structured Interview for Psychological Autopsy (SSIPA), adapted and validated to the Spanish language (Garcia-Caballero et al., 2010). Results The main profile was of a male, married, with no psychiatric history, and used methods like hanging or being running over by a train. In the sub-sample on which the PA was carried out, it was observed that the main precipitating or motivating factors were those related to social, family, and health problems. The prevalence of diagnosed psychopathologies was not a majority profile, but vulnerable personality traits were found. As most of the cases showed previous preparations and verbalisations regarding their intention, it can be concluded that the decision was not impulsive but deliberate. Conclusions The PA method is an efficient tool to describe and obtain data about suicide that may be relevant and useful in the design and implementation of prevention programmes. Moreover, it may help to perceive the individual characteristics of each region promoting a better adjustment and individualisation of these programmes.