Neurotics at risk and suicidal behaviour in the Hungarian population

On the basis of a study of 5,871 persons representative of the Hungarian population over the age of 20 by age, sex, place of residence and occupation, an analysis was made of the relationships between neurosis risk, suicidal behaviour, drinking habits and social and lifestyle characteristics. Measured by the Juhász Neurosis Rating Scale, the proportion of those at neurosis risk in the population was 23.6%, but considerable regional differences were found. Suicide attempts and the suicide rate by county proved relatively independent of each other. In the counties with higher suicides rates (South-East Hungary) and in the counties around the capital which have high rates of suicide attempts the proportion of those at neurosis risk was very high. The closest correlation with suicide attempts was found in the case of suicide in the family. Where there had been a suicide in the family, 26% of the subjects attempted suicide in the course of their life and where there had been no suicide, the proportion of persons making attempts was only 1%.