Epidemiological Surveillance of Suicides and Attempted Suicides in Aquitaine, South-West France, Using an Original Computer Network of Sentinel General Practitioners.

From 1986-88, epidemiological data on each case of completed or attempted suicide was reported to a comprehensive surveillance system through a computer network. Analysis of the relationship between the method, antecedents, & results of the suicidal act showed a high rate of antecedents of suicide attempts by drug overdoses, hangings & drownings; & no antecedents for attempts using firearms. This may show that accessibility of firearms is making impulsive attempts more lethal.