Suicide Methods in Europe: a Gender-Specific Analysis of Countries Participating in the “European Alliance Against Depression”

This study identified the most frequent gender-specific suicide methods in Europe. Data on suicide methods for 119,122 male & 41,338 female cases from 2000-2005 from 16 countries in the European Alliance Against Depression were obtained. Hanging was the most prevalent method among males & females. For males, hanging was followed by firearms & poisoning by drugs. For females, poisoning by drugs & jumping from a high place were the next most common methods. Research on suicide methods could lead to the development of gender-specific intervention strategies. Nevertheless, other approaches such as the better identification & treatment of mental disorders should also be put in place. (37 refs.)