Life-weariness, suicidal thoughts and suicidal attempts among women in Gothenburg, Sweden

Abstract

A representative sample of 800 Gothenburg women in the age group 38-54 years were investigated by psychiatric interview, completed by information from other sources. An assessment was made of the maximum degree of suicidal tendency during life according to a 5-degree scale. The observed incidence of suicidal attempts was 4.5%. A further 14.9% had at some time in their lives had suicidal ideas and in addition there were 22.3% who had the feeling that life was not worth living. Approximately 60% of the suicidal attempts resulted in psychiatric care. One fifth of the suicidal attempts did not lead to any contact with the health services.