Suicide in children and adolescents in England and Wales 1970-1998

Abstract

Background: Suicide rates for England and Wales have been decreasing recently, but rates for young adult males remain high.

Aims: To review changes in suicide rates for children and adolescents in England and Wales between 1970 and 1998.

Method: Rates for suicide, 'accidental' death by causes similar to suicide and 'undetermined' death for 10-14- and 15-19-year-olds are calculated between 1970 and 1998 using suicide data and estimated mid-year populations obtained from the Office for National Statistics.

Results: There has been a substantial increase in suicide rate between the 1970s and the 1990s for males aged 15-19 years. This remains true even when 'undetermined' and 'accidental' death rates for causes similar to suicide are examined. The increase was associated with an increase in self-poisoning with vehicle exhaust gas in the 1980s and an increase in hanging which has continued into the 1990s. Although there was a slight decrease in the official suicide rate for females aged 15-19 years, 'undetermined' deaths increased. There is no indication of a major change in suicide rate in 10-14-year-olds.

Conclusions: The substantial increase in suicide rate in 15-19-year-old males may indicate increased psychosocial stress, particularly affecting this group.