The Epidemiology of Suicide (IN: Suicide Prevention: Resources for the Millennium, edited by D Lester)

This chapter examines the epidemiology of suicide. Standard terms used in epidemiological studies are defined & basic methods of study are reviewed. A table provides 1990 suicide rates for various countries around the world. The prediction of national suicide rates is discussed by examining physiological theories, psychological theories, composition theories, & social theories. A number of issues that must be addressed in future epidemiological stuies are discussed including representation, generalizability, seeking explanations, & nonfatal suicidal behaviour. (41 refs.)