Railway and Metro Suicides: Understanding the Problem and Prevention Potential

This article reviews research on railway & metro suicides around the world. It is evident there is a high incidence among psychiatric patients & at stations, crossings, & track areas near psychiatric institutions. Fictional & news reports of railway suicides are related to increased rates, & false beliefs about a certain, fatal, & painless outcome may contribute to the use of this method. Train drivers & rail personnel are often traumatized & in need of personal support after the incident. Prevention strategies are discussed. (45 refs.)