Can Death be Postponed?—The Death-Dip Phenomenon in Psychiatric Patients

Abstract

The authors explored the “death-dip phenomenon,” the previously-reported decrease in deaths occurring before significant dates, with a cohort of 4800 psychiatric patients. The dates of death were compared with each individual's birthday, with Christmas, and with New Year's Day. These comparisons were done for the total group of deaths and separately for suicide, homicide, accidental deaths, deaths from circulatory diseases, and deaths from all other causes. In general, the findings were negative. No death-dip phenomenon was identified in any group, with any grouping of cause by date. There was a significant increase in accidental death preceding birthdays. There was a suggestion that suicide deaths increased just before Christmas. Total deaths increased during the winter quarter; all other findings were negative.