The Classification of Completed Suicide into Subtypes

This study sought to classify suicide according to clinical, psychological & psychosocial factors. 142 suicides were considered for analysis. Three distinct clusters emerged which were stable & internally consistent. The characteristics of these clusters are discussed. Based on their findings, the authors suggest that this typology illustrates a need to re-evaluate our perception of who is likely to commit suicide. The largest group (cluster 1) neither sought help nor acquired a diagnosis of mental illness. (23 refs)