Related Experiment Videos
[Attempted suicide during the financial crisis in Athens]
K Stavrianakos1, V Kontaxakis2, G Moussas1
1Psychiatric Clinic, "Sotiria" General Hospital of Athens.
Psychiatrike = Psychiatriki
|July 19, 2014
Summary
The financial crisis in Athens saw a 35.71% rise in attempted suicides between 2007 and 2011. Unemployed and divorced individuals were most affected, highlighting the need for targeted suicide prevention programs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Psychiatry
- Sociology
Context:
- Economic recessions are linked to adverse mental health outcomes.
- Past financial crises have shown increased suicidality.
- Greece experienced a severe economic crisis starting in 2008.
Purpose:
- To examine the impact of the financial crisis on attempted suicide rates in Athens.
- To analyze demographic and clinical differences among suicide attempters before and during the crisis.
Summary:
- A retrospective study analyzed 165 suicide attempters hospitalized in Athens in 2007 and 2011.
- Attempted suicides increased by 35.71% during the crisis period (2011 vs. 2007).
- No significant differences in attempt severity or psychopathology were found, but unemployment and marital status changes were notable.
Impact:
- The financial crisis appears associated with an increase in suicide attempts in Athens.
- Unemployed and divorced/widowed individuals are identified as high-risk groups.
- Enhanced suicide prevention strategies are crucial for vulnerable populations during economic downturns.