The role of depression in unnatural death: A case-based retrospective study.

Background: Depression affects the life of millions around the globe and perhaps also the manner of death. This study examined the role of depression in specific causes of unnatural death and whether alcohol and substance use affect this relationship, in one locality in Scotland.

Methods: The research used a retrospective case-based study approach to analyse 168 cases, quantifying data reported in mortuary files to allow for quantitative statistical analysis of associations and differences amongst the variables.