On the Nature, Magnitude, and Causality of Suicidal Behaviors: an International Perspective

The authors conclude that a true increase in suicide mortality & morbidity has occurred in this century among the white urban adolescent & young adult populations of North America & Europe. Possible causal mechanisms are identified as: corresponding increases in the prevalence of depressive disorders & substance abuse disorders (with the age of onset of abuse dropping), psychobiological changes, an increase in the number of social stressors, & changes in attitudes toward suicidal behaviors.