Methods of Suicide: International Suicide Patterns Derived From the WHO Mortality Database

Data encoded according to the International Classification of Diseases (10th Revision) were derived from the World Health Organization mortality database. The classification was used to differentiate suicide methods. Correspondence analysis was used to identify typical patterns of suicide methods in different countries by providing a summary of cross-tabulated data. The analysis showed that pesticide poisoning & firearm suicide replaced traditional methods in many countries. The observed suicide pattern depended upon the availability of the methods used, in particular the availability of technical means. The present evidence indicates that restricting access to the means of suicide is more urgent & more technically feasible than ever. (34 refs.)