Man Becomes Delusional on A/D Med: Believes He Has Cancer: Kills Self
Summary:
Paragraphs 9 through 12 read: "He noticed his father was drinking more alcohol in the few weeks before his death, as well as making day trips to Bath and Weston-super-Mare."
"Mr Hall's daughter Caroline said that when he visited the doctor, he was distressed and having suicidal thoughts."
"A doctor's report confirmed Mr Hall had complained of stress-related problems and been given anti-depressants."
"Pathologist Dr David Paterson confirmed that Mr Hall died as a result of multiple injuries as the result of a significant fall. He added there was no existence of a cancer."
SSRI Stories Note: The Physicians Desk Reference states that antidepressants can cause a craving for alcohol and can cause alcohol abuse. Also, the liver cannot metabolize the antidepressant and the alcohol simultaneously, thus leading to higher levels of both alcohol and the antidepressant in the human body.
A CHIMNEY sweep who had been reported as a missing person leapt to his death from a cliff edge, an inquest heard.
Eight years ago Carlos Hall, 65, had written to son Christopher and daughter Caroline to tell them he was going to take his life because he incorrectly believed he had cancer.
His children successfully managed to dissuade him from leaping from Clifton Suspension Bridge on that occasion.
But on December 19 last year, Mr Hall's body was discovered near the bridge some days after he had gone missing.
In a statement read at Flax Bourton Coroner's court, his son said: "When my dad went missing I knew he would be found dead."
Christopher's statement described the time he and his sister had received a suicide letter from him while he was still at home in Masefield Road, Horfield.
"He really believed he had cancer, even though he had not seen a doctor," his statement said. "I don't think he was truly happy again after this."
Christopher said the last time he saw his father he seemed down and said he learnt after his death that his father had told his own brother they would not see each other again.
He noticed his father was drinking more alcohol in the few weeks before his death, as well as making day trips to Bath and Weston-super-Mare.
Mr Hall's daughter Caroline said that when he visited the doctor, he was distressed and having suicidal thoughts.
A doctor's report confirmed Mr Hall had complained of stress-related problems and been given anti-depressants.
Pathologist Dr David Paterson confirmed that Mr Hall died as a result of multiple injuries as the result of a significant fall. He added there was no existence of a cancer.
PC Daniel Baker, who was acting sergeant for the incident, said it was believed Mr Hall did not jump from the Clifton Suspension Bridge but a nearby cliff edge. He told the inquest Mr Hall would have had to climb over a significant wall to do so and said foul play was not suspected.
Assistant deputy coroner Terry Moore said: "I am satisfied that his multiple injuries were caused by him leaping from a cliff edge and that it was not something that could have happened accidently."
He recorded a verdict of suicide.
Most people thinking of taking their own life have given warning signs beforehand. These can include becoming depressed or withdrawn, sudden changes in behaviour or mood, talking about wanting to die and feelings of hopelessness. These feelings do improve and can be treated.
If you are concerned about someone, or need help yourself, please contact the Samaritans on 08457 909090 day or night.