Mortality by Suicide in Spain 1961-1986: the Influence of Period and Cohort Effects (IN: Suicidal Behaviour in Europe: Recent Research Findings, edited by P Crepet et al)

An overview of trends in suicide mortality in Spain since 1961 to 1986 is presented. The findings point to a general decrease in suicide rates over the first years followed by a period of stabilization and thereafter a sharp increase with 1986 rates approximately 20% higher than 1961 rates. Independantly of age effects, cohort (mainly in males) and period effects (both sexes) seem to have had an important influence on the increased risk observed in later years. (19 refs)