Year: 1991 Source: British Journal of Psychiatry, v.158, (February 1991), p.155-157 SIEC No: 19911302

In a total of 22,169 parasuicides over 19 years, there was evidence for a seasonal cycle in parasuicide admissions among women, with an increase during the summer & a fall over the winter, including a pronounced December nadir. Further analysis of the winter trough suggests a sociological explanation, the focal point being Christmas. There was no evidence for monthly or seasonal variation among men. (12 refs.)