[Trends in suicidal behaviour in Dutch general practice, 1983-2013]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Suicidal behavior trends and influencing factors require ongoing investigation.
• Understanding temporal patterns in suicidal behavior is essential for public health interventions.
• The impact of socioeconomic events, like the 2008 financial crisis, on mental health warrants examination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in suicidal behavior reported by Dutch general practices between 1983 and 2013.
• To investigate the relationship between suicidal behavior, patient characteristics, and the 2008 financial crisis.
• To identify changes in suicidal behavior patterns before and after the 2008 financial crisis.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective observational study utilizing data from 40 Dutch general practices.
• Analysis of age-adjusted and gender-specific trends in suicides and attempted suicides (ICPC code P77) from 1983-2013.
• Examination of patient characteristics and prior GP contact in relation to suicidal behavior, with separate analyses for 1983-2007 and 2008-2013.

Main Results:

• A significant rise in male suicides was observed from 2008 onwards, and male suicide attempts increased since 2009.
• Female suicidal behavior, including suicide and attempts, showed a consistent decrease from 1989 to 2013.
• Nearly half of patients exhibiting suicidal behavior had visited their GP within a month prior, with GPs recognizing suicidal behavior in 31% of these cases.

Conclusions:

• Post-2008, a notable increase in male suicide rates contrasted with a continued decline in female suicidal behavior.
• Enhanced training for general practitioners in recognizing early signs of suicidal ideation, particularly in depressive patients, could significantly improve suicide prevention strategies in primary care settings.