Mental illness and accidental death: Case-control psychological autopsy study
Journal
British Journal of Psychiatry
Journal Volume
185
Journal Issue
NOV.
Pages
422-428
Date Issued
2004
Author(s)
Cheng A.T.A.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Few studies have systematically investigated the psychiatric antecedents of accidental death. AIMS: To examine the patterns of psychiatric morbidities contributing to accidental death in three ethnic groups (Han, Ami and Atayal) in Taiwan. METHOD: A case-control psychological autopsy was conducted among 90 accidental deaths (randomly selected from a total of 413) and 180 living controls matched for age, gender, ethnicity and area of residence in Taiwan. RESULTS: The risk of accidental death was significantly associated with alcohol use disorder and with other common mental disorders. When jointly considered, it was greatest when these two types of disorders co-existed, followed by common mental disorders alone. The risk of accidental death increased with the number of comorbid conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The prevention of accidental death should be incorporated into preventive psychiatry, not just for alcohol use disorder, but also for all other common mental disorders.
SDGs
Type
journal article