Suicide in Austrian Children and Young Adolescents Aged 14 and Younger

The suicides of Austrian children & young adolescents were investigated in terms of prevalence, gender differences, suicide methods, & monthly distribution during a period 32 years (1970-2001). 275 cases were identified. The mean suicide rate for 10-14-year-olds was 1.4 per 100,000 with a male-female ratio of 3.1:1. The total child & adolescent suicide rate & boys’ suicide rates decreased over the study period. There was no significant fluctuation in girls’ suicide rates. Hanging was the predominant method for both genders & a greater number of suicides were observed in April/May & October/November. (47 refs.)