Is suicide given as cause of death on death certificates in the UK?

[Elastik]

Is suicide given as cause of death on death certificates in the UK?

Thanks for any assistance.

[JenB]

The form of words might be 'took his/her own life'.

[BumbleB]

I personally don't think that the term "suicide" would be used on a death certificate.  After all, who else was there at the time of death, if it was suicide?

[JenB]

I have a 1984 death certificate in which the actual cause of death is given followed by the words 'took own life'.

[BumbleB]

I can't argue with that, JenB 

[Little Nell]

I have a Scottish one, where the RCE states 'probably suicide while in an unsound state of mind'

Pretty clear. 

Nell

[carol8353]

I have a 1932 one that says Cut Throat suicide while insane.Age 36.

She knew her husband had been unfaithful.

And another 1968 one that says Drowning- she killed herself.Age 61.

She was found in the bath.

[Elastik]

Thanks very much. This suicide may have occurred in 1978 so I guess "took own life" would be the phrase used. I wanted to know if there would be any indication on the death cert before buying it. Sounds as if there would. Thank you.

[Little Nell]

Just looked in Barbara Dixon's useful book (used to be a website, but that has gone now  ) and she says:

Where an inquest has been held it will say so although the wording for this varies through time.  A verdict will be given such as natural causes, suicide (or deceased took his own life while of unsound mind), accidental death. 

So, yes, it is possible that suicide would actually be stated.

Nell