Citation

Ku KH, Nguyen DGH, Ng YK. Hong Kong J. Psychiatry 2000; 10(3): 21-26+44.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The issue of suicide attempts by jumping from height is a serious problem in Hong Kong. This study explores the characteristics of survived suicidal jumpers and the suicide attempts.

METHODS: This is a retrospective data collection study, reviewing the psychiatric consultation notes of 79 jumpers who survived their attempts at suicide.

RESULTS: The jumpers attempting suicide were mostly Chinese men aged 21 to 50 years who were sober and drug-free at the time of the incident. More than three quarters of them were living with relatives or friends. Approximately half were employed full time or were housewives, but more than one quarter were unemployed. Three quarters of attempts occurred at their residences or familiar places. The jumpers did not usually leave suicide hints or notes, and nearly 50% of suicidal acts were done under impulse. One quarter of them were suffering from functional psychoses and one quarter from major depressive illness. Half of the attempts were triggered by psychosocial life events.

CONCLUSION: Although half of the jumpers attempting suicide were suffering from either psychotic illness or major depressive disorder, mental illness itself could not account for all suicide attempts by jumping from height. A cognitive-behavioural model is postulated to account for the suicidal behaviour.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; article; depression; female; height; Hong Kong; human; impulsiveness; Impulsiveness; jumping; Jumping From Height; major clinical study; male; patient coding; psychosis; retrospective study; suicide attempt; Suicide Attempts