A role of sunshine in the triggering of suicide.
Several reports indicate that suicide follows a seasonal pattern with a dominant peak during the month of maximum daylight. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that sunshine exposure may trigger suicidal behavior. We found a remarkably consistent pattern of seasonality with peak incidence around June in the northern hemisphere and December in the southern hemisphere. Moreover, there was a positive association between the seasonal amplitude of suicide (measured by relative risk) and total sunshine in the corresponding country. These findings indicate that sunshine may have a triggering effect on suicide, and suggests further research in the field of sunshine-regulated hormones, particularly melatonin.
Petridou
Eleni
E
Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Athens University Medical School, Greece.
Papadopoulos
Fotios C
FC
Frangakis
Constantine E
CE
Skalkidou
Alkistis
A
Trichopoulos
Dimitrios
D
D006801:Humans; D016012:Poisson Distribution; D012307:Risk Factors; D012621:Seasons; D013405:Suicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013472:Sunlight