Overall Suicide Rate Rising In Northern Ireland: Suicides increasing in young men and decreasing in women

Overall Suicide Rate Rising In Northern Ireland: Suicides increasing in young men and decreasing in women

Embargoed until 20 June 2007

The overall rate of suicide in Northern Ireland appears to be rising, a new study has found. However, whilst suicides are increasing substantially in young men, they are decreasing in women.



It is widely acknowledged that official mortality statistics underestimate the true extent of suicide, and accurate yearly figures are notoriously difficult to assess.



This study analysed annual figures collected by the Samaritans from the ‘Unofficial Registrar General’s’ figures for the years 1984-2002. Trends by sex, age group, marital status and method were examined.



The average annual rate of suicide was calculated for the 10-year period 1984-1993, and compared with the 9-year period 1994-2002.



It was found that the average annual rate of suicide increased by 4.7%. Female suicides decreased by 17%, but the average annual rate of male suicides increased by 13.2%.



The highest percentage increase was seen in males aged 25-34 (34%), followed by the 15-24 age group (26.5%).



The greatest increase in the average annual rate was seen among single people – amongst males it was 24.2%, and females 28.6%.



There was a decrease in the average annual rate for all methods of suicide except hanging, where there was an increase of 99.4% in males and 87.8% in females.



The researchers conclude that the rising trend in suicides in Northern Ireland is largely the result of the increase in suicides amongst young males aged 15-34. The rate of female suicides appears to be falling.



The increase in the violent suicide method of hanging suggests that this more lethal way of attempting to kill oneself is contributing to the higher suicide rate.