[The problem of student suicide]

This study is a psychiatric survey of the student suicide at the Tokyo University. Counting the cases reported as such to the university administration, a total of 65 students committed suicide during the 20 years from 1962 till 1981. This amounts to a yearly average of 25.6 cases per 100,000 students. A comparison of this quota with that of several Japanese and foreign universities is made. In 1970, the year in which the students unrest at the Japanese universities reached its peak, the frequency of the suicide fell to its all time low. A possible explanation of this phenomenon is proposed. Out of the 65 students who committed suicide, 25 (38%) have at least once visited the psychiatric clinic of the Tokyo University. In view of the high percentage of the mentally disturbed students in the total number of suicides, the importance of measures taken of foster the mental health of the students is stressed for reasons of suicide prophylaxis. The issue in most of these cases was the conflict between the required scholastic accomplishments and the failure of achieving them. The resulting frustration becomes the immediate motive of the suicide. Therefore, a more intensive psychiatric care of such students is recommended especially during the examination season from January till May, when in Japan the students are exposed to the highest psychological stress. Out of 25 mentally disturbed students who ended by committing suicide, 18 revealed their desire to die in a more or less expressed way already during the time of their psychiatric treatment or consultation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)