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Analysis of trends in adolescent suicides and accidental deaths in England and Wales, 1972–2011

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

James Redmore ,
Ruth Kipping ,
Adam Trickey ,
Margaret T. May  and
David Gunnell
James Redmore
Affiliation:
School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
Ruth Kipping*
Affiliation:
School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
Adam Trickey
Affiliation:
School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
Margaret T. May
Affiliation:
School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
David Gunnell
Affiliation:
School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
*
Ruth Kipping, School of Social & Community Medicine, University of Bristol, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK. Email: ruth.kipping@bristol.ac.uk
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Abstract

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Background

Previous analyses of adolescent suicides in England and Wales have focused on short time periods.

Aims

To investigate trends in suicide and accidental deaths in adolescents between 1972 and 2011.

Method

Time trend analysis of rates of suicides and deaths from accidental poisoning and hanging in 10- to 19-year-olds by age, gender and deprivation. Rate ratios were estimated for 1982–1991, 1992–2001 and 2002–2011 with 1972–1981 as comparator.

Results

Suicide rates have remained stable in 10- to 14-year-olds, with strong evidence for a reduction in accidental deaths. In males aged 15–19, suicide rates peaked in 2001 before declining. Suicide by hanging is the most common method of suicide. Rates were higher in males and in 15- to 19-year-olds living in more deprived areas.

Conclusions

Suicide rates in adolescents are at their lowest since the early 1970s with no clear evidence that changes in coroners' practices underlie this trend.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 209 , Issue 4 , October 2016 , pp. 327 - 333
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2016

Footnotes

Declaration of interest

D.G. is a member of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy Advisory Group (England).

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