Relationship of Suicide Rates to Social Factors and Availability of Lethal Methods: Comparison of Suicide in Newcastle Upon Tyne 1961-1965 and 1985-1994

Suicide rates & methods, based on coroners’ inquest records from Newcastle upon Tyne, were compared over 2 periods (1961-65 & 1985-94) & differences were related to changes in exposure to poisons & prescribed drugs, & to sociodemographic changes. Demographic & social changes had taken place which would adversely affect suicide rates. However, a dramatic fall was found in the rate for women, & a modest decline in that for men. Reduced exposure to carbon monoxide & to barbiturates coincided with the fall in rates. The gender difference in favour of women may be related to their preference for non-violent methods or to their being less affected by the social changes. (13 refs.)