Citation

Gunnell D, Lopatatzidis A, Dorling D, Wehner H, Southall H, Frankel S. Br. J. Psychiatry 1999; 175: 263-270.

Affiliation

Department of Social Medicine, University of Bristol. D.J.Gunnell@Bristol.ac.uk

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Royal College of Psychiatry)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10645329

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The influence of the macro-economic climate on suicide is unclear. During the recent recession, rates have increased in young males but declined in females. AIMS: To investigate associations between unemployment and suicide in 15- to 44-year-old men and women over a period spanning two major economic recessions (1921-1995). To minimise confounding by changes in method availability, analyses are restricted to suicides using methods other than poisons and gases. METHOD: Time-series analysis using routine mortality and unemployment data. RESULTS: There were significant associations between unemployment and suicide in both males and females. Associations were generally stronger at younger ages. CONCLUSIONS: Secular trends in youth suicide may be influenced by unemployment or other factors associated with changes in the macro-economic climate. These factors appear to affect women to the same extent as men. Although it is not possible to draw firm aetiological conclusions from time-trend data, our findings are in keeping with those of person-based studies.

Language: en