Suicide represents a significant public health crisis and a complex forensic issue within the diverse sociocultural and legal contexts of South Asia. This chapter explores the prevalence of suicide in correctional facilities, as well as the increased vulnerabilities faced by juveniles and women. It highlights the importance of psychological autopsies in identifying contributing factors and informing policy, while also addressing sociocultural phenomena such as suicide pacts and media-induced copycat behaviours. Systemic challenges, including stigmatised mental health discourse, the criminalisation of suicidal behaviours, and insufficient prevention frameworks, shape the landscape of suicide in the region. Although recent efforts towards decriminalisation and improved forensic investigations have emerged, critical gaps persist. This chapter advocates for interdisciplinary strategies that integrate forensic insights with socio-legal considerations, aiming to promote systemic reforms and evidence-based interventions that reduce suicide rates and safeguard vulnerable populations.

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Suicide: A Forensic Psychiatry Perspective from South Asia

  • Natarajan Varadharajan,
  • Sandesh Venu,
  • Sabaresh Pandiyan,
  • Gokul Raj,
  • Vikas Menon

摘要

Suicide represents a significant public health crisis and a complex forensic issue within the diverse sociocultural and legal contexts of South Asia. This chapter explores the prevalence of suicide in correctional facilities, as well as the increased vulnerabilities faced by juveniles and women. It highlights the importance of psychological autopsies in identifying contributing factors and informing policy, while also addressing sociocultural phenomena such as suicide pacts and media-induced copycat behaviours. Systemic challenges, including stigmatised mental health discourse, the criminalisation of suicidal behaviours, and insufficient prevention frameworks, shape the landscape of suicide in the region. Although recent efforts towards decriminalisation and improved forensic investigations have emerged, critical gaps persist. This chapter advocates for interdisciplinary strategies that integrate forensic insights with socio-legal considerations, aiming to promote systemic reforms and evidence-based interventions that reduce suicide rates and safeguard vulnerable populations.