Psychological Autopsy – a Way to Revealing the Enigma of Equivocal Death

Abstract

Being an integral part of forensic investigative psychology over a long period of time, the psychological autopsy is still searching for its legitimacy and place as an evidentiary tool in the criminal investigation. It provides vital information about the prevalent psychological and psychiatric risk factors associated with suicide and equivocal deaths by revealing the earlier fact related to psychological or physical problems, personality disorder, family history, unpleasant life events and any collateral record left behind by the deceased. The objective of this review study is to toss light on mental examination as an investigative strategy to explain the mystery of equivocal deaths especially suicides.

Keywords: Psychological autopsy; Suicide; Equivocal deaths