Year: 1989 Source: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, v.79, no.5, (May 1989), p.444-449 SIEC No: 19900111

Trends in completed suicide in Belgium for 1971-1984 in relation to data about psychotropic drug sales were studied. Mortality rose sharply between 1973-1980 & then decreased slightly. Increasing risk of suicide was not related to psychotropic drug sales but to an increase in the severity of attempts until 1980. Although barbiturate sales decreased these drugs still account for 23% of self-poisoning in Belgium. Possible research shortcomings of the study are discussed. (CM)