Update of suicide trends in croatia 1966-2002.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze trend the suicide rates in Croatia during the pre-war period of socialistic Yugoslavia (1966-1990), war period in the former Yugoslavia (1991-1995) and the post-war period of Croatian independence and democratization (1996-2002).

METHOD

Using official suicide statistics, this study examined suicide rates in Croatia over a 36-year span (1966 to 2002) as a function of gender, age, marital status, time, war and social changes. Suicide rates were displayed graphically and compared with some neighbouring countries (Slovenia, SCG, Hungary and Italy).

RESULTS

During the period of socialistic Yugoslavia, suicide rate in Croatia was constantly increasing with small variations. During the war time suicides with firearms were significantly increased. Since 1993 (the period of independence and democratization) there has been a trend of evident decrease in total suicide rate.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that Croatia has still had high suicide rates with declining trend since 1993, probably related to democratization, more national, religious and cultural rights, better availability of SSRIs and systemic campaign for education of general practitioners for early recognition and treatment of depressive disorders.