Citation

Nordentoft M. Psychiatr. Danub. 2006; 18(Suppl 1): 77.

Affiliation

Bispebjerg Hospital, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400 Copenhagen, Denmark. (mn@dadlnet.dk)

Copyright

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

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16963986

Abstract

When examining suicide rates in different countries at different points in time, it is obvious that methods for suicide are different in different countries during different time periods. It is beyond doubt that both the availability but also the awareness and cultural acceptance of a method determine whether it is a frequently used method or not. It is obvious that for instance suicide with car exhaust was introduced as a method for suicide after it had been available for decades. One can even speak of a method for suicide being marketed, as for instance asphyxia-suicide with plastic bags. Accessibility to and the lethality of a particular method may have profound effect on the overall suicide rate. Such effects appear to depend on the popularity of the method, and the extent to which alternative methods that are acceptable to the individual are available. Therefore, when recommending restrictions in access to dangerous methods for suicide, it must also be considered how to avoid marketing of other lethal methods for suicide. Several case reports indicate that marketing of lethal suicide methods on the internet may play a role in suicides. Some countries in the world have banned instructions on methods for suicide.

Language: en