Citation

Gerharde I, Rancans E, Bugins J. Psychiatr. Danub. 2006; 18(Suppl 1): 132.

Affiliation

Mental Health Government Agency, Tvaika str.2, LV- 1005 Riga, Latvia. ilze.gerharde@gvva.gov.lv.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Facultas Universitatis Studiorum Zagrabiensis - Danube Symposion of Psychiatry)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16964109

Abstract

Background: Despite positive tendencies in the changes in the number of suicides in Latvia during the last 9 years the rates are still high to compare with other European countries. Currently the most complete information of suicide attempts enabling the performance of a more detailed data analysis is available on Riga. The aim of this study was to analyze the development in attempted suicide rates in Riga during the period 1997-2005. Methods: We used data from monitoring forms of the Emergency Medical Service to determine incidence and characteristics of patients who attempted suicide. The monitoring form gives information about suicide attempters' sex, age, suicide attempt methods, motives etc. Results: Data was collected on 6501 patients. The suicide attempt rates in 15-34 age groups remained high (50-60%) during 1997-2005. Poisoning was still the most frequently used suicide attempt method among females but there was s a tendency of an increase in cutting behavior. The most frequently used method among males is cutting and this has increased by 22%. Conclusions: Cutting as a method is tending to increase for both males and females. There is an increasing tendency towards males choosing a less lethal method when committing a suicide attempt.

Language: en