Suicide, misappropriation and impulsivity.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a patient who survived a suicidal act in which lethal means were used and who subsequently cooperated with psychiatric examination.


METHODS
Case report.


RESULTS
A 22-year-old man jumped from a bridge into the water 49 m below and survived. He was admitted to hospital for assessment. No psychiatric diagnosis could be made on either Axis I or II. He had misappropriated money and lost it gambling, and detection was imminent. He described his jumping as being the result of a sudden impulse. While he was falling he changed his mind and assumed an appropriate diving posture with the intention of preventing his death.


CONCLUSIONS
This is an example of a person performing a highly lethal suicide act, in the absence of Axis I or II disorder. Threat of disgrace and possible prosecution; and impulsivity were significant factors.
Cheah
Danny
D
Department of Psychological Medicine, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
Schmitt
Gerhard
G
Pridmore
Saxby
S
D000328:Adult; D005715:Gambling / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology*; D013648:Tasmania; D013800:Theft / Q000523:psychology*