Autokabalesis is a very rare psychiatric term, referring to the choice of jumping from a raised structure or otherwise at a significant height to the ground as an act of suicide or due to psychiatric disorder.
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Studies
Studied in 1979 by Sims & O'Brien K., a study of 1992 found that many suicidal acts of falling from height were done by young males that were unemployed and single. In a 1988 study of 28 persons hospitalized as a result of falling from height, findings showed most fallers had serious psychiatric disorders.
Examination of data from between 1990 and 1998 of this type of suicide within New York city showed the highest number of deaths were within the populus aged 65 and over (Abrams et al 2005).
Prevalence
In the period between 1987 and 1990, 39 people were treated at the University Hospital Bochum with injuries sustained by falls from height.
A study of 1998 (Joyce & Fleminger) reported that according to the Office of Census and Surveys 1990-1994, 4% of all deaths by suicide were accountable by falling from height or jumping in front of a moving object.
Reports of cases of suicide of this nature are complicated by doubt as to whether death was caused as a result of murder (homicide). Evidence for suicidal intent according to psychological opinion is thought to be, previous suicide attempts, depression, a history of mental disorder, or current psychiatric admission,and the leaving of possessions at a cliff top.