[Suicide in Denmark over 70 years, 1922-1991. General tendencies]

The frequency of suicide in Denmark has been studied for a period of 70 years. Rates of suicide per 100,000 inhabitants, 15 years and over, by age and sex have been calculated, the calculation being based on data from the Danish Cause-of-Death statistics and from the Population statistics provided by Danmarks Statistik. Although the frequency of suicide has varied during the period under study, the overall trend has been one of significant increase. The increase is in great part due to the fact that an increasing number of women, especially women in their 50s, commit suicide. The increase in male rates is more evenly distributed over all age groups and, contrary to what is the case for women, the age-effect is still strong for men.