Mental disorders and suicide in Northern Ireland

BACKGROUND: The aim of this part of the Northern Ireland Suicide Study was to investigate the prevalence of DSM-III-R axis I (clinical syndrome) and axis II (personality) disorders among suicides (14 years and older) in Northern Ireland during a one-year period. METHOD: A psychological autopsy study based on a variety of documentary sources and interviews with bereaved informants and health care professionals. RESULTS: Ninety per cent of suicides (106/118) had a current axis I and/or an axis II mental disorder. At least one current axis I disorder was diagnosed in 86% of suicides (102/118), and at least one axis II disorder was diagnosed in 44% (52/118). Suicides under 30 years (92% male) were less likely to have a current axis…