A recent study by the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at AIIMS Bhopal found that young adults in the age group of 19 to 40 years are vulnerable to suicide, with 79% of suicides committed by people in this age range. The study highlights the critical importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues, such as depression, to prevent individuals from reaching the point of contemplating suicide. The research also indicates a prevalent history of substance abuse in suicide cases, with 51% of individuals having a history of substance abuse. Furthermore, 37% of the suicide cases had a history of previous suicidal behavior. The findings underscore the importance of identifying individuals at risk of repeated attempts and implementing appropriate preventive measures, including targeted counseling and psychiatric intervention.
The AIIMS Bhopal is a pioneer educational institution that provides advanced medical courses and training programs to enhance healthcare practices. The institution is committed to providing high-quality medical education, research, and healthcare services.
Prof (Dr) Arneet Arora, the Head of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology department at AIIMS Bhopal, specializes in conducting psychological autopsy research that can provide valuable insights into the complex factors associated with suicide. He emphasizes the importance of addressing pressing issues surrounding suicide through uncovering high-prevalence depressive symptoms, substance abuse, and previous suicidal behavior, as discovered in the recent study. AIIMS Director Dr. Ajai Singh believes that these findings will aid in assessing evidence-based interventions and policies aimed at reducing suicide rates.
