Effect of Death of Diana, Princess of Wales on Suicide and Deliberate Self-Harm

The effect of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997 on suicide & deliberate self-harm was assessed. Analysis, using Poisson regression, of the number of suicides & open verdicts in England & Wales following the Princess’s death were compared to the 3 months beforehand, & the equivalent periods in 1992-1996. Similar analysis was done on deliberate self-harm presentations to a general hospital. Suicides increased during the month following the Princess’s funeral, particularly among females, aged 25-44 years. Suicides did not fall in the week between the death & the funeral. Presentations for deliberate self-harm increased significantly during the week following the death, especially in females. Examination of case notes suggest the influence of the death was largely through amplification of personal losses or exacerbation of existing distress. (10 refs.)