Completed suicides: Is there method in their madness? Correlates of choice of method for suicide in an Australian sample of suicides

Suicides choose different methods for their act, and it is of interest to ask whether those choosing different methods have different characteristics. A complete sample of 1051 suicides from a single region of Australia (Tasmania) was studied for differences in their characteristics by their method for suicide. Clear differences emerged between those using different methods. Those using gas inhalation were reacting to interpersonal conflict or loss and misused alcohol. Those using jumping had ongoing psychiatric problems and a history of suicidal behavior. Those using firearms were characterized by anger and were more likely to commit murder-suicide than those using other methods. These differences were explored for their implications for prevention. © 2010 Giovanni Fioriti Editore s.r.l.