Suicides under the influence of synthetic cathinones
Ewelina Pieprzyca1, Rafał Skowronek1, Anna Skowronek2, Piotr Czekaj3

The increased risk of suicide in cases of use of ethyl alcohol, pharmaceutical drugs, and classic illicit drugs is well known and extensively described in the literature. However, relatively little information can be found about suicides committed under the influence of new psychoactive substances, including synthetic cathinones. This study presents a forensic toxicological analysis of suicides committed by people under the influence of synthetic cathinones. The findings collected in the case files allowed to determine the surrounding circumstances, the cause of the suicide, and the manner in which it was committed. We analysed 16 cases of suicide by persons aged 19–48 years, who were under the influence of synthetic cathinones. The vast majority (over 87%, n = 14) were male. The most common method of suicide in the analysed cases was hanging (n = 12). The co-presence of ethyl alcohol in blood was found in seven cases (the maximum concentration was 2.2 mg/mL). We concluded that in every case of death, especially in young people dying by suicide, it is reasonable to perform chemical and toxicological testing for the presence of various intoxicants other than ethyl alcohol. The results of toxicological testing may be useful not only for the judiciary but also for psychiatrists and psychologists who work with people abusing and addicted to new psychoactive substances.