Forensic Issues in Suicide Due to Acid Ingestion in a Case of Major Depressive Disorder

Abstract

Although rare, suicide using caustic substances in psychiatric practice is not infrequent. Such circumstances involve important forensic and psychiatric issues. In this case report, death due to sulfuric acid ingestion in a patient with major depressive disorder is reported. The legal issues concerning suicide in a patient with mental illness, autopsy findings, forensic issues, and pathophysiology concerning death by acid ingestion have been discussed.