Suicide by Hanging

Suicide by hanging is the act of intentionally killing oneself via suspension from an anchor-point or ligature point (e.g. an overhead beam or hook) by a ligature or by jumping from a height with a noose around the neck.
Hanging is often considered to be a simple suicide method that does not require complicated techniques. However, a study of people who attempted suicide by hanging and lived suggests that this perception needs to be challenged (http://bjp.rcpsych.org/content/197/4/320). It is one of the most commonly used suicide methods and has a high mortality rate; Gunnell et al. gives a figure of at least 70 percent.[1] The materials required are easily available, and a wide range of ligatures can be used. Because of this, it is considered a difficult method to prevent.[1] In the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, suicides by hanging are classified under the code X70: "Intentional self-harm by hanging, strangulation, and suffocation."[2][3]

Hanging is divided into suspension hanging and the much rarer drop hanging; this method can kill in various ways. Suicide attempters who survive, because the cord or ligature point breaks, or because they are discovered and cut down face a range of serious injuries, including cerebral anoxia (which can lead to permanent brain damage), laryngeal fracture, cervical spine fracture, tracheal fracture, pharyngeal laceration, and carotid artery injury.[4] Ron M. Brown writes that hanging has a "fairly imperspicuous and complicated symbolic history".[5] There are commentaries on hanging in antiquity, and it has various cultural interpretations. Throughout history, numerous famous people have committed suicide by hanging.

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