Suicide in children and adolescents in England and Wales 1960-1990.

BACKGROUND

Following reports of recent increases in adult male suicides in England and Wales, suicide rates for children and adolescents are reviewed.

METHOD

By using estimated mid-year populations for five-year age bands, the suicide rates for 10-14 year-olds and 15-19 year-olds are calculated between 1960-1990. The same method is used to obtain rates for 'undetermined' death and 'accidental' death by causes comparable to suicide.

RESULTS

The only group to show an increase in suicide rate since the 1970s has been males aged 15-19 years. This increase persists even when 'undetermined' and 'accidental' death rates for causes similar to suicide are examined. The increase is associated with an increase in hanging and self-poisoning with vehicle exhaust gas.

CONCLUSIONS

The increase in suicide rate in 15-19 year-old males may indicate increased psychosocial stress, particularly affecting this age/gender group.