The Impact of Availability, Attraction and Lethality of Suicide Methods on Suicide Rates in Germany

Substantial fluctuations have prevailed in both the rate & particular method of suicide in the Federal Republic of Germany. A close relationship existed (1949-1989) between peaks of the suicide rate & the percentage of low threshold suicide methods (shootings & poisonings). During the period 1963-1076, the rate of suicide committed using domestic gas receded dramatically but the rate of suicide committed using other poisons rose accordingly. (21 Refs.)