A. Friends or roommates of the deceased student

C. Students themselves who are currently depressed

D. Students in the early stages of a psychotic illness

Suicide contagion and clusters are more likely among young people in contained communities such as college campuses.

Campus suicide is a highly complex issue that evokes fear and anxiety among all involved, including students, administrators, family, first responders, and friends who themselves struggle with suicidal ideation, and action must be taken to mitigate risk. Managing suicides and suicide clusters on campus requires a combination of vigilance, flexibility and, ironically, the ability to accept our professional and clinical limitations.

Suicide Clusters on College Campuses: Risk, Prevention, Management

, by Victor Schwartz, MD, of The Jed Foundation.

1. Haw C, Hawton K, Niedzwiedz C, Platt S. Suicide clusters: a review of risk factors and mechanisms. 

Suicide

Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Major Depressive Disorder

Quizzes

After a campus suicide, who is at increased risk of suicide in the near future? The answer might surprise you (or not).

Mini Quiz: Is Suicide Contagious?