Citation

Ruzicka L, Choi C. J. Aust. Popul. Assoc. 1999; 16(1-2): 29-46.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Australian Population Association)

DOI

10.1007/BF03029453

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper reviews the incidence of youth suicide in Australia in comparison with other industrialized countries around the
mid-1990s. It focuses on fatal suicides in Australia and records changes in suicide mortality levels and patterns since the
1950s. An attempt is made to estimate the global extent of the problem of suicidal behaviour (suicides plus attempted suicides).
The discussion concentrates on the presumed factors associated with the recent epidemic of self-destruction among young Australian
males: drug and alcohol abuse, and unemployment. Finally, some of the attempts at prevention of suicidal acts and their effectiveness
are reviewed.