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Hoyt T, Richter K, Saitzyk A, Long S, Lippy R, Kennedy CH. Containing the good idea fairy: A deep dive into Navy firearms restriction policy. MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2021.1897497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tim Hoyt
- Psychological Health Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Kenneth Richter
- Headquarters Marine Corps, Health Services, Arlington, Virginia, USA
| | - Arlene Saitzyk
- Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Falls Church, Virginia
| | - Stephanie Long
- Office of the Chief of Naval Personnel, Millington, Tennessee, USA
| | - Robert Lippy
- Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Falls Church, Virginia
| | - Carrie H. Kennedy
- Psychological Health Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
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Blakaj F, Dylhasi F, Haliti D, Kukaj I, Krasniqi D. An unusual method of suicide by rifle using a supportive device and string to pull the trigger – A case report. FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL: REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2020.100148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Shelef L, Tatsa-Laur L, Derazne E, Mann J, Fruchter E. An effective suicide prevention program in the Israeli Defense Forces: A cohort study. Eur Psychiatry 2020; 31:37-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Revised: 10/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of the IDF Suicide Prevention Program, implemented since 2006.DesignQuasi-experimental (before and after) cohort study.ParticipantsTwo cohorts of IDF mandatory service soldiers: the first inducted prior to (1992–2005, n = 766,107) and the second subsequent to (2006–2012, n = 405,252) the launching of the intervention program.ExposureThe IDF Suicide Prevention Program is a population-based program, incorporating: reducing weapon availability, de-stigmatizing help-seeking behavior, integrating mental health officers into service units, and training commanders and soldiers to recognize suicide risk factors and warning signs.Main outcome measureSuicide rate and time to suicide in cohorts before and after exposure to the Suicide Prevention Program.ResultsTrend analysis showed lower suicide rates in the cohort after intervention. The hazard ratio for the intervention effect on time to suicide was 0.44 (95% CI = 0.34–0.56, P < .001) among males. Lower risk was associated with: male gender; born in Israel; higher socio-economic status; higher intelligence score; and serving in a combat unit (HR = 0.43: 95% CI = 0.33–0.55).ConclusionsThere was a 57% decrease in the suicide rate following the administration of the IDF Suicide Prevention Program. The effect of the intervention appears to be related to use of a weapon, and being able to benefit from improved help-seeking and de-stigmatization. Future efforts should seek to extend the program's prevention reach to other demographic groups of soldiers. The success of the IDF program may inform suicide prevention in other military organizations and in the civilian sector.
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Becker K, Schmidtke A, Glasow N. [Possibilities for Suicide Prevention Through Architecture in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry]. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR KINDER-UND JUGENDPSYCHIATRIE UND PSYCHOTHERAPIE 2018; 47:9-18. [PMID: 30522380 DOI: 10.1024/1422-4917/a000622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Possibilities for Suicide Prevention Through Architecture in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Abstract. In Germany, departments of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry are responsible for the treatment of young people with acute suicidal tendencies. Therefore, it is important to consider means of preventing suicide already during the construction and business operations of these institutions. Approaches to structural suicide prevention can be divided into restrictive and atmospheric-therapeutic measures. The latter includes ways to create an antisuicidal environment and to establish a setting amenable to close support and care by mental-health professionals. Restrictive measures comprise security measures and means of avoiding potential hazards, for example, through life-threatening jumps (e. g., staircases) or intentional strangulation (e. g., employing materials with predetermined breaking points). In addition to security issues, architectural and creative aspects must be incorporated to enable a suicide-preventive atmosphere, that is, satisfying protective needs, creating positive distractions (panoramic views, activities, occupational therapy opportunities), and using positive physiological and natural influences (such as colors and light). Secure access to a pleasant and protected external area as well as exercise spaces is also essential. Architects and construction managers should work closely with the institution's health personnel (e. g., doctors, therapists, and psychiatric nursing staff) during the planning stages for Departments of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in order to come up with solutions that comprise appropriate, practical, and functional requirements and safety-restrictive measures. Thus, an inviting and atmospherically pleasant space can be created that simultaneously provides suicide prevention and protection, where adolescents with psychiatric disorders can be treated by mental-health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Becker
- 1 Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie, Fachbereich Medizin, Universitätsklinikum Marburg und Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg
| | - Armin Schmidtke
- 2 Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg.,3 Nationales Suizidpräventionsprogramm für Deutschland (NaSPro), AG Primärprävention, Köln
| | - Nadine Glasow
- 4 Universalraum-Institut für evidenzbasierte Architektur im Gesundheitswesen GmbH, Dresden.,5 Nationales Suizidpräventionsprogramm für Deutschland (NaSPro), AG Bauwerke und Umwelt, Köln.,6 Werner-Felber-Institut für Suizidprävention und interdisziplinäre Forschung im Gesundheitswesen e. V., Dresden
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Balestra S. Gun prevalence and suicide. JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS 2018; 61:163-177. [PMID: 30149247 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In light of the ongoing debate over tighter firearm regulations, this paper considers the relationship between gun prevalence and suicide. I exploit a reform in Switzerland that reduced the prevalence of military-issued guns in private households. In Switzerland, military service is compulsory for men, and military-issued guns account for nearly half of the total number of firearms available. The results show that the firearm suicide rate decreases by 9% for a reduction in gun prevalence of 1000 guns per 100,000 inhabitants. The elasticity of gun suicides with respect to firearm prevalence is +0.48, but converges towards zero for low levels of gun prevalence. The overall suicide rate is negatively and significantly related to firearm prevalence, which indicates that non-gun methods of suicide are not perfect replacements for firearms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Balestra
- University of St. Gallen, Rosenbergstrasse 51, CH-9000 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
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Shelef L, Laur L, Raviv G, Fruchter E. A military suicide prevention program in the Israeli Defense Force: a review of an important military medical procedure. DISASTER AND MILITARY MEDICINE 2015; 1:16. [PMID: 28265431 PMCID: PMC5329935 DOI: 10.1186/s40696-015-0007-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The phenomenon of suicide during military service is not unique to the Israeli military and other armies. Soldiers’ age––adolescence––is a known factor contributing to suicide, in light of psychological processes of identity formation and self-definition, the stresses of military service, and above all, the availability of weapons. The stigma of seeking help deters some soldiers from getting the assistance they need when they need it most, thus contributing to the higher suicide rate. In the previous decade the IDF initiated intensive and structured preventive procedures aimed at reducing suicide rate among soldiers. The IDF’s Suicide Prevention Program (SPP) was grounded in professional knowledge and backed by military policy changes, both critical to the implementation and change processes. The SPP includes thorough psycho-education and guidance, supervision, greater accessibility of mental health officers, and lower accessibility of nonessential weapons. The SPP has succeeded in reducing the suicide rate by almost 50 %. The aim of this article is to review the background of the design of the IDF’s SPP and its major components, leading to the current success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Shelef
- Israeli Air Force, Psychological Branch, Ramat Gan, Israel ; Mental Health Unit, Israeli Defense Force Medical Corps, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Lucian Laur
- Mental Health Unit, Israeli Defense Force Medical Corps, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Gil Raviv
- Directorate of Mental Health, Meuhedet Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eyal Fruchter
- Mental Health Unit, Israeli Defense Force Medical Corps, Ramat Gan, Israel
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Webb RT, Qin P, Stevens H, Shaw J, Appleby L, Mortensen PB. National study of suicide method in violent criminal offenders. J Affect Disord 2013; 150:237-44. [PMID: 23664638 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2013.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Revised: 04/02/2013] [Accepted: 04/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gaining a greater knowledge of the mechanisms and means by which violent offenders die by suicide can inform tailored preventive strategies. METHODS Using interlinked national Danish registry data we constructed a nested case-control study dataset of all adult suicides during 1994-2006: N=9708 cases and N=188,134 age and gender matched living controls. Completely ascertained International Classification of Diseases 10th revision cause-specific mortality codes were examined, with all criminal charges since 1980, and covariate information on psychiatric treatment and socio-demographics. Self-poisonings were classified as 'nonviolent' suicide and all other methods as being 'violent' ones. RESULTS Compared with the general population, risk among male and female violent offenders was strongly and significantly elevated for suicide by either a violent or a nonviolent method, although the relative risk was greater for nonviolent suicide. These patterns were also observed among nonviolent offenders, albeit with smaller effect sizes. Risk was especially raised for self-poisoning with narcotics & hallucinogens. We could only examine the full range of suicide methods in male violent offenders. In these men, hanging was the most frequently used method, although risk was markedly and significantly elevated virtually across the entire range of regularly used suicide methods. LIMITATIONS We lacked sufficient statistical power for undertaking a detailed profiling of specific suicide methods among female violent offenders. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that comprehensive and broadly-based preventive approaches are needed for tackling the markedly raised risk of suicide by both violent and nonviolent means in this population. Their high relative risk for self-poisoning by illicit or illegal drugs underlines the importance of access to means and of prevailing subculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- R T Webb
- Centre for Mental Health and Risk, Institute of Brain, Behaviour & Mental Health, University of Manchester, UK.
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Habenstein A, Steffen T, Bartsch C, Michaud K, Reisch T. Chances and limits of method restriction: a detailed analysis of suicide methods in Switzerland. Arch Suicide Res 2013; 17:75-87. [PMID: 23387405 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2013.748418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to estimate the potential of method restriction as a public health strategy in suicide prevention. Data from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office and the Swiss Institutes of Forensic Medicine from 2004 were gathered and categorized into suicide submethods according to accessibility to restriction of means. Of suicides in Switzerland, 39.2% are accessible to method restriction. The highest proportions were found in private weapons (13.2%), army weapons (10.4%), and jumps from hot-spots (4.6%). The presented method permits the estimation of the suicide prevention potential of a country by method restriction and the comparison of restriction potentials between suicide methods. In Switzerland, reduction of firearm suicides has the highest potential to reduce the total number of suicides.
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Kastanaki AE, Kranioti EF, Papavdi A, Theodorakis PN, Michalodimitrakis M. Suicide by firearms on the island of Crete: a 9-year record. CRISIS 2011; 31:43-52. [PMID: 20197257 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whereas firearm suicide mortality has been a longstanding public concern worldwide, in Greece no systematic analysis has been reported so far despite the recent evidence of a rising rate of gun ownership. AIMS To estimate the proportion of firearm suicides on the island of Crete, Southern Greece, well-known for its widespread gun ownership; to describe the victims' sociodemographic profile and firearm-related suicide variables; and to assess the severity of suicidal intention in the group. METHODS Records of suicides between 1999 and 2007 were reviewed and information was extracted into a computerized database. A rating of the circumstances section of the Beck's Suicide Intent Scale (SIS) for each case was also performed. RESULTS The firearm suicide rate was 1.3 per 100,000, with males constituting the vast majority. These men were more likely to be less than 55 years of age, to have lived in the western part of the island, to have some degree of planning prior to the suicidal act, and to have used a shotgun, but less likely to have left a note. CONCLUSIONS As an important first step toward implementing preventive initiatives the authors stress the need for a thorough look at the sociocultural factors associated with firearms in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia E Kastanaki
- State Mental Health Hospital of Chania, Crete, Greece Department of Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Greece.
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Kapusta ND, Voracek M, Etzersdorfer E, Niederkrotenthaler T, Dervic K, Plener PL, Schneider E, Stein C, Sonneck G. Characteristics of police officer suicides in the Federal Austrian Police Corps. CRISIS 2011; 31:265-71. [PMID: 21134846 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide rates among police officers may be high because of strong occupational stressors. AIMS This study examined the suicide rate and suicide characteristics among police officers in the Federal Austrian Police Force. METHODS All suicides among policemen during the period 1996-2006 were analyzed retrospectively on the basis of personalized police record files from all Austrian police departments. Information on sex, age, marital status, children, region, method and place of suicide, suicide notes, position, and length of service was extracted from these files. The general Austrian population, adjusted for sex and age composition, served as the comparison group. RESULTS The suicide rate among male police officers was 30.2/100,000 (SD 11.0), which was comparable to the suicide rate in the adjusted general population (30.5/100,000; SD 2.9). The female police officer suicide rate was 1.8/100,000, while the corresponding suicide rate of the adjusted female general population was 12.5/100,000 (SD 1.7). Firearms were the most frequent suicide method (77.8%), and the incidence of suicide notes was 30.8%. CONCLUSIONS Suicide rates among police officers seem comparable to those of the age-adjusted general population. Given the healthy-worker effect, these results still suggest an increased risk of suicide among police officers. These findings should stimulate further research on stressors and risk factors for suicide among officers and should also encourage departments to increase awareness regarding suicidal signs among officers.
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Affiliation(s)
- N D Kapusta
- Department of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18–20, Vienna, Austria.
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Ajdacic-Gross V, Killias M, Hepp U, Haymoz S, Bopp M, Gutzwiller F, Rössler W. Firearm suicides and availability of firearms: the Swiss experience. Eur Psychiatry 2011; 25:432-4. [PMID: 20621451 DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2010.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2009] [Revised: 04/14/2010] [Accepted: 04/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the association between the availability of firearms at home, and the proportion of firearm suicides in Switzerland in an ecological analysis. The data series were analysed by canton and yielded a fairly high correlation (Spearman's rho=0.60). Thus, the association holds also at a sub-national level.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Ajdacic-Gross
- Research Unit for Clinical and Social Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospital, Militärstrasse 8, Zürich, Switzerland
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Sarma K, Kola S. Firearm suicide decedents in the Republic of Ireland, 1980-2005. Public Health 2010; 124:278-83. [PMID: 20363005 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2010.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2008] [Revised: 01/27/2010] [Accepted: 02/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare the sociodemographic characteristics of firearms suicide decedents and other suicide decedents in the Republic of Ireland between 1980 and 2005. STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional study of sociodemographic characteristics of those who committed suicide with a firearm and those who committed suicide by an alternative method. METHODS Suicide data from 1980 to 2005 inclusive, provided by the Central Statistics Office of Ireland, were analysed. For the purpose of this paper, suicide method was collapsed into two groups: firearm-assisted suicide (FAS) and non-firearm-assisted suicide (n-FAS). Differences in gender, marital status (married vs not married), area of residence (urban vs rural), agri-employment (agri-employed vs not agri-employed) and age were examined between the two groups. A logistic regression is presented using suicide method (FAS vs n-FAS) as the criterion variable and individual factors as predictors. RESULTS In total, 9674 suicides were recorded from 1 January 1980 to 31 December 2005. Seven hundred and ninety-three of these were FAS and 8881 were n-FAS. For both suicide profiles, the deceased were predominantly male, living in a rural setting and not married. However, this profile was more salient in the FAS group. In comparison with the n-FAS group, a greater proportion of the FAS decedents were male [chi(2)(1)=152.5, P< or =0.0001, odds ratio (OR)=4.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.4-6.1], from a rural setting [chi(2)(1)=153.5, P< or =0.0001, OR=4.4, 95%CI 3.2-5.6) and agri-employed [chi(2)(1)=21.3, P< or =0.0001, OR=1.5, 95%CI 1.3-1.8). FAS decedents were significantly younger than n-FAS victims, although the size of this effect was small (z=-8.4, P<0.0005, r=-0.1). There was no difference in marital status between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Risk factors for FAS should inform policy-making in this area, with particular attention paid to protecting young males resident in rural settings. Consideration should be given to targeting agri-employed individuals as a specific at-risk group.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Sarma
- National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
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Suicide trends diverge by method: Swiss suicide rates 1969-2005. Eur Psychiatry 2009; 25:129-35. [PMID: 19695842 DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2009.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2008] [Revised: 05/18/2009] [Accepted: 05/18/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined the change in Swiss suicide rates since 1969, breaking down the rates according to the method used. The descriptive analyses of the main suicide methods are presented. The suicide rates reached a peak in the late 1970s/early 1980s and declined in more recent years. Firearm suicides and suicides by falls were the exception and sustained their upwards trend until the 1990s. Suicide by vehicle exhaust asphyxiation showed a rapid decline following the introduction of catalytic converters in motor vehicles. No substantial method substitution was observed. Suicide by poisoning declined in the 1990s but rose again following an increase in assisted suicide in somatically incurable patients. Suicide is too often regarded as a homogeneous phenomenon. With regard to the method they choose, suicide victims are a heterogeneous population and it is evident that different suicide methods are chosen by different people. A better understanding of the varying patterns of change over time in the different suicide methods used may lead to differentiated preventive strategies.
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Värnik A, Kõlves K, Allik J, Arensman E, Aromaa E, van Audenhove C, Bouleau JH, van der Feltz-Cornelis CM, Giupponi G, Gusmão R, Kopp M, Marusic A, Maxwell M, Oskarsson H, Palmer A, Pull C, Realo A, Reisch T, Schmidtke A, Pérez Sola V, Wittenburg L, Hegerl U. Gender issues in suicide rates, trends and methods among youths aged 15-24 in 15 European countries. J Affect Disord 2009; 113:216-26. [PMID: 18625519 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2008.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2008] [Revised: 06/01/2008] [Accepted: 06/01/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND No recent cross-country examinations for youth suicide trends and methods for Europe were found. AIM The aim of the study is to specify differences in suicide rates, trends and methods used among 15-24 years olds by gender across 15 European countries. METHOD Data for 14,738 suicide cases in the age group 15-24 in 2000-2004/5 were obtained and analysed. RESULTS Suicide rates ranged 5.5-35.1 for males and 1.3-8.5 for females. Statistically significant decline since 2000 was observed in Germany, Scotland, Spain, and England for males and in Ireland for females. Hanging was most frequently used for both genders, followed by jumping and use of a moving object for males and jumping and poisoning by drugs for females. Male suicides had a higher risk than females of using firearms and hanging and lower risk of poisoning by drugs and jumping. There were large differences between single countries. LIMITATIONS The limitations of the study are the small numbers of specific suicide methods in some countries as well as the re-categorisation of ICD-9 codes into ICD-10 in England, Ireland and Portugal. Further, the use of suicides (X60-X84) without events of undetermined deaths (Y10-Y34) continues to be problematic considering the possibility of "hidden suicides". CONCLUSIONS The present study shows that suicide rates among young males are decreasing since 2000 in several European countries. Analysis of suicide methods confirms that there is a very high proportion of hanging in youths, which is extremely difficult to restrict. However, besides hanging there are also high rates of preventable suicide methods and reducing the availability of means should be one of the goals of suicide prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Airi Värnik
- Estonian-Swedish Mental Health and Suicidology Institute, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Tallinn, Estonia.
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Ajdacic-Gross V, Weiss MG, Ring M, Hepp U, Bopp M, Gutzwiller F, Rössler W. Methods of suicide: international suicide patterns derived from the WHO mortality database. Bull World Health Organ 2008; 86:726-32. [PMID: 18797649 DOI: 10.2471/blt.07.043489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 285] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2007] [Accepted: 01/31/2008] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Accurate information about preferred suicide methods is important for devising strategies and programmes for suicide prevention. Our knowledge of the methods used and their variation across countries and world regions is still limited. The aim of this study was to provide the first comprehensive overview of international patterns of suicide methods. METHODS Data encoded according to the International Classification of Diseases (10th revision) were derived from the WHO mortality database. The classification was used to differentiate suicide methods. Correspondence analysis was used to identify typical patterns of suicide methods in different countries by providing a summary of cross-tabulated data. FINDINGS Poisoning by pesticide was common in many Asian countries and in Latin America; poisoning by drugs was common in both Nordic countries and the United Kingdom. Hanging was the preferred method of suicide in eastern Europe, as was firearm suicide in the United States and jumping from a high place in cities and urban societies such as Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China. Correspondence analysis demonstrated a polarization between pesticide suicide and firearm suicide at the expense of traditional methods, such as hanging and jumping from a high place, which lay in between. CONCLUSION This analysis showed that pesticide suicide and firearm suicide replaced traditional methods in many countries. The observed suicide pattern depended upon the availability of the methods used, in particular the availability of technical means. The present evidence indicates that restricting access to the means of suicide is more urgent and more technically feasible than ever.
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Ajdacic-Gross V, Ring M, Gadola E, Lauber C, Bopp M, Gutzwiller F, Rössler W. Suicide after bereavement: an overlooked problem. Psychol Med 2008; 38:673-676. [PMID: 18226288 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291708002754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To examine the effect of time on suicide after bereavement among widowed persons. METHOD The data were extracted from Swiss mortality statistics for the period 1987-2005. The time between bereavement and subsequent death, specifically by suicide, was determined by linkage of individual records of married persons. The suicide rates and the standardized mortality ratios in the first week/month/year of widowhood were calculated based on person-year calculations. RESULTS The annualized suicide rates in widowed persons were highest in the first week after bereavement: 941 males and 207 females per 100,000. The corresponding standardized mortality ratios were approximately 34 and 19 respectively. In the first month(s) after bereavement, the rates and the ratios decreased, first rapidly, then gradually. Except in older widows, they did not reach the baseline levels during the first year after bereavement. CONCLUSIONS The suicide risk of widowed persons is increased in the days, weeks and months after bereavement. Widowed persons are a clear-cut risk group under the aegis of undertakers, priests and general practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Ajdacic-Gross
- Research Unit for Clinical and Social Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.
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