Suicide in children and adolescents in England and Wales 1960-1990.
BACKGROUND
Following reports of recent increases in adult male suicides in England and Wales, suicide rates for children and adolescents are reviewed.


METHODS
By using estimated mid-year populations for five-year age bands, the suicide rates for 10-14 year-olds and 15-19 year-olds are calculated between 1960-1990. The same method is used to obtain rates for 'undetermined' death and 'accidental' death by causes comparable to suicide.


RESULTS
The only group to show an increase in suicide rate since the 1970s has been males aged 15-19 years. This increase persists even when 'undetermined' and 'accidental' death rates for causes similar to suicide are examined. The increase is associated with an increase in hanging and self-poisoning with vehicle exhaust gas.


CONCLUSIONS
The increase in suicide rate in 15-19 year-old males may indicate increased psychosocial stress, particularly affecting this age/gender group.
McClure
G M
GM
Riverside Mental Health Trust, Charing Cross and Westminister Medical School, Chelsea.
D000059:Accidents / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002423:Cause of Death; D002648:Child; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011041:Poisoning / Q000453:epidemiology; D013405:Suicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D001335:Vehicle Emissions / Q000506:poisoning; D014852:Wales / Q000453:epidemiology
D001335:Vehicle Emissions