Attempted Suicide: Patterns and Trends (IN: The International Handbook of Suicide and Attempted Suicide, edited by K Hawton & K van Heeringen)

This chapter presents an overview of empirical findings on the size of the problem of attempted suicide, social & demographic characteristics, risk factors & risk periods, & patterns & trends for separate countries. Results are summarized from individual epidemiological studies, collaborative studies, & survey studies of self-reported suicide attempts. As far as allowed, international comparisons will be presented along with social indicators. It is concluded that better national registration of attempted suicide is needed to enhance knowledge of the problem. (59 refs.)