Adolescent Suicide Cases: Toxicology Reports and Prescription Drugs

The use of nonmedical prescription drugs in adolescent suicide is a critical issue. This study examined the toxicology of drugs found in a sample of 134 medical examiner records. The majority of adolescents died at home of asphyxia, had a trauma history, psychiatric illness, and a history of child abuse. Thirty-seven types of prescription drugs were found on autopsy; most were not prescribed. Findings from this study suggest that prescription drug misuse has a potent impact on adolescent risk factors. Identifying neurobiological and contextual factors associated with suicidality is critical for prevention efforts by health providers.