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Do means matter?: Differences in characteristics of Finnish suicide completers using different methods
Sami Pirkola1, Erkki Isometsä, Jouko Lönnqvist
1Department of Mental Health and Alcohol Research, National Public Health Institute, Mannerheimintie 166, FIN-00300 Helsinki, Finland.
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
|November 14, 2003
Summary
Suicide methods differ by user characteristics. Intoxication suicides were more common in females with prior attempts, while shooting suicides involved males. Method availability influences suicide prevention strategies targeting specific groups.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Sociodemographic and clinical factors influencing suicide completion methods remain unclear.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for effective suicide prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate disparities in sociodemographic and clinical characteristics among individuals completing suicide by different methods.
- To identify typical characteristics associated with specific suicide methods.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the psychological autopsy method for investigating 1,397 completed suicides.
- Data collected within the National Suicide Prevention Project in Finland (April 1987–March 1988).
Main Results:
- Significant disparities found in characteristics of suicide completers across different methods.
- Intoxication suicides: more females, history of attempts, and psychiatric treatment.
- Shooting suicides: opposite characteristics to intoxication suicides.
- Vehicle exhaust gas suicides: younger males, recent adverse events, alcohol intoxication.
Conclusions:
- Specific sociodemographic and clinical profiles are associated with distinct suicide methods.
- Method availability and acceptability likely influence these associations.
- Targeting availability restrictions for specific subpopulations at risk is a viable prevention strategy.
- Careful prescription of intoxicating substances for psychiatric patients is recommended.