Death by suicide in Grampian 1974-1990

Examination of rates of suicide and undetermined deaths in one health board area between 1974 and 1990. Data are presented on contacts between decreased individuals and the psychiatric and clinical psychology services and general practice.

Retrospective analysis of data from psychiatric, clinical psychology and general practice case records, and from the General Register Office for Scotland.

Deaths by suicide, undetermined causes and accidental poisoning.

Male suicide rates increased by 25% in the period studied. Rates in females declined by 65%. There was a small decrease in rates of death by undetermined causes in both sexes. 46% of those dying by suicide and 41% of those dying by undetermined causes had current or past contact with the Psychiatric Services.

The study offers data on suicide to allow planning of measures to achieve national targets for reduction in suicide rates.