[Epidemiology of suicide]

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Suicide is a significant public health concern with complex epidemiological patterns.
• International variations in suicide rates necessitate detailed national and regional analyses.
• Trends in suicide rates have shown shifts over time, particularly concerning gender and age demographics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the value of nationwide suicide epidemiology surveys.
• To analyze trends in suicide rates across different countries and demographic groups.
• To highlight regional disparities in suicide rates and identify potential contributing factors.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of nationwide survey data on suicide epidemiology.
• Comparative study of suicide rates in various European countries (EC and Eastern Europe).
• Examination of age-specific suicide trends, focusing on the elderly population.

Main Results:

• Despite doubts, nationwide suicide epidemiology surveys are valuable.
• Male suicide rates showed a continuous increase until the 1980s; female rates rose from the late 1950s.
• Denmark and Hungary had the highest rates in Europe; Greece, Spain, Ireland, and Italy had low rates. Elderly suicide rates increased in most countries.
• Suicides in psychiatric clinics have risen globally, doubling in West Germany since the 1970s.
• Significant regional differences in suicide rates were observed within countries, particularly in West Germany and the former GDR, with unexplained variations.

Conclusions:

• Nationwide surveys provide crucial insights into suicide epidemiology.
• Suicide trends exhibit significant temporal, geographical, and demographic variations.
• Further research is needed to explain regional disparities in suicide rates, considering factors like drug abuse, alcoholism, and unemployment.