An anorexia sufferer was found unconscious on an upturned chair in a room at St John of God Hospital in Stillorgan, hours after she suffered a seizure in the hospital grounds, an inquest has heard.
Ms Eithne Molloy (34), a clerical officer in the Department of Health, had been hospitalised eight times between 1993 and August 1996 and had previously taken overdoses, Dublin City Coroner's Court was told.
Dr Rory Shelley, a consultant psychiatrist who treated Ms Molloy, said he believed these incidents were cries for help and that she had not intended to take her own life.
However, Dr Gerard McCarthy, the pathologist who conducted the post mortem examination, said that marks were found on the front of her neck and that death was caused by asphyxia "consistent with a ligature", although none was found at the scene.
A jury of four men and two women recorded an open verdict in the case heard before the City Coroner, Dr Brian Farrell.
Ms Molloy suffered from depression and had voluntarily admitted herself to St John of God on August 22nd, 1996.
Dr Shelley told the hearing that Ms Molloy had previously exhibited risktaking behaviour, including driving recklessly and at speed, self induced vomiting and superficial cutting of her wrists. However, he said he believed she had not intended to take her own life.