Seasonality in Suicides: the Influence of Suicide Method, Gender and age on Suicide Distribution in Italy

Seasonal variance on suicide method, gender & age of suicide in Italy from 1984-95 was studied. Suicides in the younger age ranges (both genders) showed a less marked seasonal distribution that those in older groups. Suicides committed by violent methods showed seasonality, peaking in spring with a low in late autumn. Suicides by non-violent methods followed no seasonal trend in either sex. Female suicides showed less significant relationships with climate indicators than male. (78 refs.)