Balcony's symptom

The balcony sign, also known as Frey's sign, is a psychological phenomenon in which a person, while on the balcony of a high-rise building, feels an obsessive urge to jump down, despite not actually wanting to commit suicide.

This symptom was first described by the Austrian psychiatrist Ernst Frey in 1924, which is why it is also called Frey's symptom. According to Frey, almost any healthy person who finds himself at a height will feel the urge to throw himself down. However, this is only a fleeting impulse that disappears as soon as a person moves away from the edge.

The causes of the balcony symptom are not completely clear. Perhaps this is due to the conflict between the rational and irrational principles in the psyche. In addition, some scientists believe that this is a manifestation of hidden suicidal tendencies.

Although this is a fairly common occurrence, it rarely poses a real danger. People suffering from the balcony symptom usually do not commit suicide. However, they are advised to stay away from unfenced high-altitude areas.