Update of suicide trends in croatia 1966-2002.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze trend the suicide rates in Croatia during the pre-war period of socialistic Yugoslavia (1966-1990), war period in the former Yugoslavia (1991-1995) and the post-war period of Croatian independence and democratization (1996-2002).


METHODS
Using official suicide statistics, this study examined suicide rates in Croatia over a 36-year span (1966 to 2002) as a function of gender, age, marital status, time, war and social changes. Suicide rates were displayed graphically and compared with some neighbouring countries (Slovenia, SCG, Hungary and Italy).


RESULTS
During the period of socialistic Yugoslavia, suicide rate in Croatia was constantly increasing with small variations. During the war time suicides with firearms were significantly increased. Since 1993 (the period of independence and democratization) there has been a trend of evident decrease in total suicide rate.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated that Croatia has still had high suicide rates with declining trend since 1993, probably related to democratization, more national, religious and cultural rights, better availability of SSRIs and systemic campaign for education of general practitioners for early recognition and treatment of depressive disorders.
Jakovljević
Miro
M
University Psychiatric Clinic Rebro, Clinical Hospital Centre Zagreb, Kispatićeva 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, miro.jakovljevic@mef.hr.
Sedić
Biserka
B
Martinac
Marko
M
Marcinko
Darko
D
Ljubicić
Dulijano
D
Vukusić
Herman
H