Suicidal Behavior in the Municipality of Baerum, Norway: a 12-Year Prospective Study of Parasuicide and Suicide

The present 12-year (1984-1995) surveillance study included all hospitalized parasuicide patients (n=1031) as well as all suicides (n=161) in the municipality of Baerum, a suburb of Oslo. The parasuicide rate decreased from 170 per 100,000 in 1984 to 79 per 100,000 in 1995. Rates were higher for divorced females & separated males compared to married & other marital states. Unemployment & substance abuse were positively correlated with parasuicidal behaviour for both genders. Approximately 33% reported 1 or more previous parasuicidal acts, & 21% repeated the parasuicide during the study period. 94% used self-poisoning as the parasuicide method. A total of 2.4% completed suicide. Results support the notion of parasuicide & suicide being 2 different but overlapping populations. The implementation of a follow-up system for parasuicide patients may have contributed to the reduction in the parasuicide rate during the study period. (35 refs.)