Epidemiological Aspects of Suicide Among the Young in Selected European Countries

Trends in suicide rates were analyzed for ages 5-24 in 21 European contries in 1970-74 & 1980-84. Findings included: a definite increase in rates for adolescent & young adult males; female rates had declined in 8 countries; & in Belgium, which was investigated in detail, increases were most pronounced in 20-24 year old males; about 1/2 of youth suicides were committed by firearms & medicaments, & youth suicide was found to be associated with indicators of anomie & social isolation.