suicide cluster


cluster

 [klus´ter] a group of similar objects, events, or other elements in close proximity.suicide cluster a group of suicides in which one seems to set off others.
A chain of completed suicides, usually among adolescents, in a discrete period of time and area, which have a ‘contagious’ element

homicide/suicide cluster

Forensic psychiatry One or more homicides with the subsequent suicide of the perpetrator who typically is a ♂ married to, or living with, a ♀ in a relationship marked by physical abuse, who has a Hx of alcohol or substance abuse, and access to firearms. See Homicide, Suicide. Cf Postal worker syndrome.

suicide cluster

An epidemic of suicides, within a defined location or a short time.See also: cluster