Suicide in England and Wales and in Scotland: an Examination of Divergent Trends

Suicide rates in England, Wales & Scotland converged during the late 1960s, & from 1970 were higher in Scotland. This occurred because of differences in the falls in rates of those aged over 45 yrs & not because of differences in frequency & decline of coal gas suicide. Male suicide increased more rapidly in Scotland during the 1970s. In England & Wales overall female suicide rates fell during 1958-76 whereas in Scotland there was no clear trend. (17 refs.)