The epidemiology of abnormal homicide and murder followed by suicide

Psychol Med. 1983 Nov;13(4):855-60. doi: 10.1017/s0033291700051576.

Abstract

A comparison of the homicide rate of mentally abnormal offenders and murderers who subsequently commit suicide, from a range of different populations, shows a uniform consistency when compared with the overall rates. 'Laws' are proposed which govern the rates within these subgroups in comparison with the population as a whole and which determine fluctuations. Qualitatively different psychiatric and sociological factors are thought to account for these findings and require further elucidation.

MeSH terms

  • Antisocial Personality Disorder / epidemiology*
  • Antisocial Personality Disorder / psychology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • England
  • Homicide*
  • Humans
  • Risk
  • Suicide / epidemiology*
  • Suicide / psychology