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[How reliable are official data on attempted suicides? (based on Vienna 1989 statistics)]
E Etzersdorfer1, J Wancata, G Sonneck
1Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie, Wien.
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Official statistics on suicide attempts in Vienna show a significant decline, but these numbers may be unreliable due to changes in data collection methods. Clinical experience suggests underestimation of actual suicide attempt frequency.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Official statistics on suicide attempts are crucial for public health monitoring.
- Discrepancies between reported data and clinical observations can indicate systemic issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare suicide attempt data from various Vienna institutions in 1989.
- To assess the reliability of official statistics on suicide attempts.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of data from the Statistical Department of Vienna, hospital systems, ambulance services, and crisis intervention centers.
- Evaluation of trends in suicide attempt numbers from 1983-1989.
Main Results:
- Significant discrepancies were found between data reported by different institutions.
- Official statistics indicated a 56.5% decline in suicide attempts, with men exceeding women, contradicting clinical experience.
- Data collection method changes appear to influence official numbers.
Conclusions:
- Official suicide attempt statistics in Vienna may underestimate the true incidence.
- The reliability of official data for long-term trend analysis is questionable due to methodological influences.
- Further investigation into data collection practices is warranted.