A Case of Suicide Related with Covid-19

Abstract

The worldwide public health problem of suicide, requires a multidisciplinary assessment, given its economic, cultural, social and psychological aspects. The global COVID-19 pandemic that originated from the Peoples Republic of China in the last months of 2019 has the potential to trigger mental disorders and even suicidal attemps through fear, psychosocial pressures and as a result of disruption of the customary daily life styles. In this report we discuss a case of completed suicide of a 34-year old male who had confined himself to his home, after stocking up large amounts of food, drinking water and cleaning materials in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in our country using site investigation reports, medico-legal autopsy and psychological authopsy of the deceased. It was found out that the victim was following the internet and the television daily for news on the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. One week before the event, he had left his workplace telling his colleagues that he would confine himself to his home for 15-20 days to clean up the premises. Washed banknotes and blister tablets were found in the house as well as stocked water and cooked food. The deceased had twice consulted hospitals for fear of COVID-19 infection 2 days before his demise. It was discussed that he might have the diagnosis of "mixed anxiety and depression". Evaluation of his experiences, discourses and behaviours within the span of 3-4 days before the act and the site investigation have suggested that he might have attempted suicide as a response to stress.