Restrictions in Means for Suicide: an Effective Tool in Preventing Suicide: the Danish Experience

The effect on method-specific suicide rate & overall suicide rate of restriction on availability of carbon monoxide, barbiturates, & dextropropoxyphene was examined. From 1970-2000, overall suicide mortality & method-specific suicide mortality in Denmark were compared with official information about the availability of barbiturates & analgesics & carbon monoxide in vehicle exhaust & household gas. Restrictions on availability of household gas with carbon monoxide content & barbituartes was associated with a decline in the number of suicides & suicides by self-poisoning with these compounds after controlling for the effect of calendar year. (16 refs.)