Psychological Autopsy: Review and Considerations for Future Directions in Korea

Kyoung-Sae Na; Jong Woo Paik; Mi Kyung Yun; Hyun-Soo Kim

doi:10.4306/jknpa.2015.54.1.40

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Na, Paik, Yun, and Kim: Psychological Autopsy: Review and Considerations for Future Directions in Korea

Review Article

Journal of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association 2015; 54(1): 40-48.

Published online: 28 February 2015

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4306/jknpa.2015.54.1.40

Psychological Autopsy: Review and Considerations for Future Directions in Korea

Kyoung-Sae Na, MD^1,², Jong Woo Paik, MD, PhD^3,⁴, Mi Kyung Yun, MS⁵, Hyun-Soo Kim, MD^5,⁶

¹Department of Psychiatry, Gachon University, Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea.

²Incheon Metropolitan Mental Health Center, Incheon, Korea.

³Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.

⁴Dongdaemun-gu Mental Health Center, Seoul, Korea.

⁵Gyeonggi Provincial Mental Health Center, Goyang, Korea.

⁶Department of Psychiatry, Myongji Hospital, Goyang, Korea.

Address for correspondence: Hyun-Soo Kim, MD. Department of Psychiatry, Myongji Hospital, 55 Hwasu-ro 146beon-gil, Deogyang-gu, Goyang 412-270, Korea. Tel +82-31-810-6230, Fax +82-31-969-0500, minuchin@hanmail.net

Received 5 January 2015 Revised 13 January 2015 Accepted 30 January 2015

Abstract

Psychological autopsy is a systematic methodology for comprehensive investigation of psychiatric and behavioral factors assumed to be causative or related to death of the deceased. In many countries, psychological autopsy is considered the most direct and valuable tool for determining the relationship between risk factors and suicide. The case of Finland revealed that successful psychological autopsy studies could greatly contribute to the national suicide prevention strategy, which consequently reduced the national suicide rate. Despite the strengths of psychological autopsy for identifying risk factors of suicide and consequently preventing suicide, it has not been successful in Korea. Implementation of psychological autopsy has been inconsistent and sporadic across the provinces. In addition, standardization of psychological autopsy protocol and qualification of interviewers are needed. With all of these methodological issues in mind, conduct of as many psychological autopsies as possible is important in order to build an evidence-based suicide prevention strategy. For successful implementation of psychological autopsy in Korea, it is necessary to improve attitudes toward suicide and psychiatric conditions. Legal, administrative, and institutional support are also important. Finally, multidisciplinary approach based on the financial and legal support should be employed.

Keywords: Psychological autopsy, Suicide prevention, Mental health

Figures and Tables

Fig. 1

Psychological autopsy model.

Table 1

Comparison of psychological autopsy studies in Korea

NA : Information not available

Notes

The authors have no financial conflicts of interest.

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