Time trends in suicide mortality vary in choice of methods; an analysis of 145,865 fatal suicide cases in Germany 1991–2002

Author: Baumert J / Erazo N / Ruf E / Ladwig KH
Publication: Social Psychiatry & Psychiatric Epidemiology
Topics: International Suicide Surveillance/Data Collection
Keywords: Female Germany Hanging Male Methods
Bibliographic information +

Suicides declined in Germany from 1991-2002. This study analyzed changes over time by method, sex, and age group. Hanging or suffocation was the most frequently used method for both sexes, making up 56% of suicides in men and 40% in women, followed by poisoning. Statistically significant declines in suicides were observed, in descending order, for self-poisoning, drowning and hanging/suffocation in both sexes. No changes were noted for firearm or sharp instrument injuries.