Attempted Suicide Rates and Trends During a Period of Severe Economic Recession in Helsinki, 1989-1997

This study investigated attempted suicide trends during a deep economic recession in the 1990s in a well-defined urban catchment area. The overall attempted suicide rate remained stable over the 9-year study period. Against expectations, male rates decreased significantly especially among those aged 15-34. There was a convergence of female & male rates, although male rates remained higher. The proportion of poisonings as method increased. Despite the deep economic recession, with rapidly rising unemployment, attempted suicide rates remained unexpectedly stable. (54 refs)