Suicide

The act of intentionally killing oneself. Suicide results from a person’s reaction to a perceivedly overwhelming problem, such as social isolation, death of a loved one, serious physical illness, or financial problems. It is often the result of a psychiatric illness, such as severe depression or schizophrenia. Suicide is most common among the elderly. More men than women commit suicide, although women attempt the act more often (see suicide, attempted). The most common method is poisoning, usually by taking a drug overdose or by inhaling car exhaust fumes.