Notes that, while researchers seek accurate causative factors for suicidal behavior, validity and reliability of certification of suicide deaths by coroners and medical examiners have been questioned. Provides overview of existing vital statistics registry system, proposes innovations that could improve quality of officially reported suicide…

Briefly outlines problems associated with definition and official certification of suicide and reviews literature pertaining to validity and reliability of suicide statistics. Considers process of suicide certification as a test, estimating its sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value, using data from studies reviewed. (NB)