Psychological Autopsy in High Risk Missing Person Cases: A Systematic Review of Applicability and Forensic Perspective

Abstract

Psychological autopsy constitutes a fundamental tool within the field of forensic psychology for clarifying deaths of uncertain etiologic and high-risk missing person cases. This paper presents a systematic review of scientific literature published between 2002 and 2025, aiming to critically evaluate its applicability within the specific context of high-risk disappearances from both methodological and legal perspectives. The methodology followed the PRISMA guidelines, querying six specialized databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Dialnet, and Google Scholar) and initially identifying 287 documents. Following a rigorous application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 studies were selected for analysis. The results reveal three primary methodological approaches—traditional retrospective, integrated digital, and predictive-preventive—alongside promising empirical evidence: in 67% of the analyzed cases, the search was correctly oriented within the first 48 hours. Psychopathological (80% of studies), psychosocial (73.3%), and behavioral (60%) risk factors were identified, as well as methodological, institutional, and ethical-legal barriers. Within the Spanish context, the absence of standardized protocols and a specific regulatory vacuum stand out significantly. It is concluded that the psychological autopsy possesses significant value as an auxiliary instrument. Furthermore, its effective implementation in Spain requires the development of national protocols, interdisciplinary training programs, and an adequate regulatory framework.