Suicide Trends in Eight Predominantly English-Speaking Countries 1960-1989

Suicide rates between 1960 & 1989 were explored for eight predominantly English-speaking countries with similar national characteristics. New World countries showed significant similarities but differed from Old World countries. The North American countries showed a unique plateau in the 1980s for males aged 15-29 years. Old World males of all ages showed common rises, suggesting a partial gender-specific influence in the young. Rates among 15-19-year-old females rose in the early 1960s, ahead of males, but in parallel with rises among older females. Care should be taken to differentiate gender- from age-related influences. (49 refs.)