Hösükler, ErdemHösükler, BilginÇoban, İsmailKoç, Sermet2023-09-042023-09-042022Hösükler, E., Hösükler, B., Çoban, İ., & Koç, S. (2022). Complex suicides: 21 cases and a review of the literature. Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 12(1), 1-8.2090-536X2090-5939http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s41935-022-00269-3https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12491/11644Background: The use of more than one potentially lethal method together and sequentially to complete suicide is called complex suicide. Complex suicides are divided into two groups: planned and unplanned. This study aimed to discuss with literature 21 complex suicide cases identified after a 2-year retrospective study. Results: This study included 21 complex suicide cases. Eleven were classified as planned complex suicides, and 10 were labeled as unplanned complex suicides. The average age of all cases was 42.5 +/- 17.7 (min: 19, max: 76) years. Suicide notes were present in six (28.5%) cases. Fifteen victims (71.4%) suffered from psychiatric diseases. Twelve victims ingested a toxic dose of medication, nine cases jumped from a height, eight cases used stabbing, six cases used hanging, two cases ingested a corrosive substance, two cases drowned, two cases inhaled a toxic gas, one case ingested cyanide, one case ingested insecticide, and one case used suffocation with a plastic bag. In two cases, three methods of suicide were used together. In the current study, corrosive substance intake + cyanide intoxication and corrosive substance intake + jumping from a height were defined for the first time and have not been previously described in the literature. Conclusions: Complex suicides are highly likely to be potentially mistaken for murder. The cause of death in these cases can be determined with a comprehensive autopsy along with a detailed examination of the scene, statements of relatives, and eyewitnesses.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessComplex SuicideUnplanned Complex SuicidePlanned Complex SuicideForensic MedicineTurkeyGunshotsReview Article10.1186/s41935-022-00269-3121182-s2.0-85124773387Q2WOS:000751995800001N/A