The Characteristics of Those Who Do and Do Not Leave Suicide Notes: Is the Method of Residuals Valid?

Examination of 1,051 completed suicides from an Australian state showed that 33% left a suicide note. Those leaving a suicide note were more involved in interpersonal conflicts (including divorce), were less often psychiatrically disturbed, and were less likely to be under medical supervision. The large number of differences suggests that it may not be possible to learn about suicide in general from a study of suicide notes alone.