International Suicide Rates: Recent Trends and Implications for Australia

This report examines recent trends in suicide around the world & across the lifespan. It provides a comprehensive examination of international trends in order to identify common patterns in suicide mortality, & to determine whether recent declines in suicide rates in Australia have also occurred in other nations. It also examines the possible impact that national suicide prevention strategies have had on suicide rates around the world. Finally, the report considers several factors that may impact on trends in suicide mortality, including unemployment, increased use of antidepressant medications, & cohort effects. (257 refs)