Epidemiology of Suicide: Aspects of Definition, Classification and Preventive Policies (IN: Suicidal Behaviour in Europe: Recent Research Findings, edited by P Crepet et al)

In this chapter, differences in the frequency of suicidal behavior in different countries in Europe are analysed. The data presented here are mainly on completed suicide. In so far as data are available, international comparisons with regard to differences in suicide rates across gender and age groups are presented. An attempt is made to explain differences observed between countries in Europe. For a number of European countries an attempt has also been made to explain the differences in changes in suicide rates over the last 25 years. Finally, public policy implications based on the presented data are reviewed, and conclusions for prevention, intervention and treatment are drawn. (28 refs)