Seasonality of Violent Suicides in the Athens Greater Area

The aim of this study was to ascertain suicide seasonality in the Greek population & to associate this seasonal variation with age, gender, & suicide method. The deaths caused by violent suicide (not self-poisoning) were studied. Statistically significant suicide seasonality was established with a peak in May. This seasonal variation is attributed mainly to males. As for methods, suicide by hanging peaks in June & by firearms, in April. It was also observed that seasonality for individuals above the age of 45 peaks in early May. (82 refs.)