Homicide-suicide and other forms of co-occurring aggression against self and against others

Assessing the risk of harm to self and the risk of harm to others usually a re distinct clinical processes. Yet these forms of aggression frequently co exist, occasionally with lethal outcomes. The author summarizes the literat ure on co-occurring aggression against self and others. Studies of homicide -suicide are reviewed first. Studies investigating the risk of co-occurring aggression against self and against others are reviewed next. The studies show a strong link between the 2 forms of aggression, etiologically implica ting depression and other factors. Both types of risk assessment should occ ur jointly. Guidelines for combined risk assessment, prevention, and treatm ent are offered.