Predicament Suicide: Concept and Evidence

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this paper is to introduce the term ‘predicament suicide’ and add to the evidence that suicide may occur in the absence of Axis I diagnoses.

Method: The term ‘predicament suicide’ was described as suicide which occurs when the individual without mental disorder is in unacceptable circumstances from which they cannot find an acceptable alternative means of escape. Accounts of suicide that satisfied these criteria, and could be illustrated by images, were sought.

Results: Four accounts were identified: Ajax, Brutus, Mayor Freyberg and Commander Donnicke.

Conclusions: Predicament suicide appears to be a useful designation. This work added evidence indicating that suicide may occur in the absence of an Axis I mental disorder.