title: A cluster of suicides at a London psychiatric unit.
abstract: In an epidemiologically based study, a spate of 14 suicides among current patients of a London psychiatric unit was investigated. Statistical analysis showed it to be a discrete cluster of suicides, rather than a chance occurrence. There was no evidence of direct linkage or "contagion" between the suicides. Thirteen of the patients suffered from severe, chronic mental illness and all but 2 had been known to the psychiatric unit for at least a year. Twelve used violent methods, in 8 cases jumping from a high place. Although no definite cause for the cluster could be established, it coincided with a period of uncertainty concerning the future of the hospital and with changes in and absenteeism of senior medical staff.
authors: St. Mary Abbots Hospital, London, UK.
authors: C M
authors: CM
authors: Haw
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002423:Cause of Death; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008131:London / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000401:mortality / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D015233:Models, Statistical; D011567:Psychiatric Department, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D012308:Risk Management / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014754:Violence