Year: 1990 Source: British Journal of Psychiatry, v.157, (October 1990), p.533-538 SIEC No: 19910107

The official suicide rate in Ireland increased markedly between 1970-85. This is a genuine increase in suicide & not an apparent one due to previous deficiencies in recording practices. Possible reasons for the change include an increase in ‘anomie’ shown by a rise in the rates of crime, illegitimacy & admissions to hospital for alcoholism, a decline in social cohesion revealed by a fall in the marriage rate & a rise in the number of separated couples, & an increase in unemployment. (27 refs.)