Murder–suicide

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Murder–suicide is an act in which an individual kills one or more people before (or while) killing themselves. The combination of murder and suicide can take various forms, including those where the murderer and the victims are related, or where they are unrelated but killed at random or for some perceived reason.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Murder–suicide is a form of violence that has a significant impact on families and communities. It is often associated with domestic violence, but can also occur in a variety of other contexts, such as workplace violence or school shootings. The motivations behind murder–suicide are complex and can include feelings of despair, rage, or a desire for control.

Types[edit | edit source]

Murder–suicide can be classified into several types, based on the relationship between the murderer and the victims, the motive for the act, and the method used. These include:

  • Familicide: This is a type of murder–suicide in which a family member kills other members of their family before killing themselves. Familicide is often associated with domestic violence and can involve spouses, children, or other relatives.
  • Parricide: This is a type of murder–suicide in which a parent kills their child or children before killing themselves. Parricide is often associated with mental illness or severe emotional distress.
  • Spousal murder–suicide: This is a type of murder–suicide in which one spouse kills the other before killing themselves. This is often associated with marital conflict, jealousy, or control issues.
  • Workplace murder–suicide: This is a type of murder–suicide in which an employee kills coworkers or supervisors before killing themselves. This is often associated with workplace conflict or perceived injustice.
  • School shooting: This is a type of murder–suicide in which a student or former student kills classmates or teachers before killing themselves. This is often associated with bullying, social isolation, or mental illness.

Causes[edit | edit source]

The causes of murder–suicide are complex and can involve a combination of personal, social, and environmental factors. These can include mental illness, substance abuse, relationship problems, financial difficulties, and feelings of hopelessness or despair.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Prevention of murder–suicide involves a range of strategies, including mental health support, domestic violence prevention, conflict resolution, and gun control. It is important to identify individuals at risk and provide them with the help they need.

See also[edit | edit source]

Murder–suicide Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD