Year: 2005 Source: Medicine, Science and the Law, v.45, no.4, (October 2005), p.345-355 SIEC No: 20100362

The incidence & circumstances were examined for all suicides during 1996-2002 reported to Mie Prefectural Police Headquarters. On average, there were 421 suicides per year. The most frequent month for suicides was July. Suicide was most common in the 50-59-year age group in men & in the 70-79-year age group in women. Psychiatric disorders were the most serious causative factor across generations but were especially prevalent in people under 39 years. Other reasons for suicide were economic problems in the 40-64-year age group in men & illness for the elderly age groups in both genders. Urgent strategies for effective medical treatments & improved working circumstances are required to prevent suicide. (23 refs.)