Suicide by jumping

Abstract

This review summarizes the published literature on suicide by jumping, in particular focusing on the social and psychological characteristics of people who have chosen this method of suicide, and the opportunities for prevention. Suicide by jumping accounts for 5% of suicides in England and Wales, and there are marked variations in the use of this method world-wide. A number of locations have gained notoriety as popular places from which to jump. Such sites include The Golden Gate Bridge and Niagara Falls in the USA, and Beachy Head and the Clifton Suspension Bridge in the UK. There is no consistent evidence that those who commit suicide by jumping differ sociodemographically or in their psychopathology from those who use other methods of suicide, although this method is more often used for in-patient suicides, possibly due to lack of access to other means. Survivors of suicidal jumps experience higher subsequent rates of suicide and mental ill health, but the majority do not go on to kill themselves, suggesting that preventive efforts may be worthwhile. This view is supported by other evidence that restricting access to the means of suicide may prevent some would-be suicides. Such measures may also reduce the emotional trauma suffered by those who witness these acts. Health authorities and coroners should consider reviewing local patterns of suicide by jumping, and if necessary institute preventive measures.

Suicide among Viennese minors, 1946–2002

“…In a study of suicides by jumping off bridges conducted by Lindqvist et al [28], three bridges served as locations for almost half of all suicides. Since survivors of suicide attempts by jumping have been reported to be ambivalent about suicide [26], these findings support prevention measures identifying local patterns of jumping suicides and appropriate interventions to restrict access [22]. Such measures could also reduce trauma among witnesses [26] and prevent imitative suicides, which is of particular importance for the younger population [30].…”

“…Since survivors of suicide attempts by jumping have been reported to be ambivalent about suicide [26], these findings support prevention measures identifying local patterns of jumping suicides and appropriate interventions to restrict access [22]. Such measures could also reduce trauma among witnesses [26] and prevent imitative suicides, which is of particular importance for the younger population [30]. In addition to environmental measures aiming at prevention of suicide completion, prevention efforts should in the first instance target suicidal thoughts and plans in young people [4].…”

“…Jumping is a particularly lethal suicide method, with minimal likelihood of surviving an impulsive attempt [8]. Suicides by jumping were reported to be more common among school pupils [22], and associated with severe psychopathology [26], including psychotic disorders [27]. Identification and monitoring of the common locations of jumping suicides, and installation of security barriers, are suggested as preventive strategies [28,29].…”

La prise en charge des suicides par précipitation en traumatologie

“…Cependant, certains auteurs n'ont trouvé aucune différence entre les groupes de suicidants quant à leur psychopathologie [12]. Les résultats de notre étude sont différents puisque nous avons noté une fréquence plus élevée des troubles de l'humeur dans les antécédents des patients.…”

Season of birth in suicidology: Neurobiological and epidemiological studies

“…Both high-risk preventive strategies that identify groups that are at increased risk of suicide, as well as population strategies, are useful . The greatest potential in suicide prevention seems to arise from the population strategy that limits the availability of methods commonly used for suicide (Gunnell & Frankel, 1994;Gunnell & Nowers, 1997;Lewis et al, 1997). Economic policies that reduce unemployment may also reduce the population suicide rate .…”