| Abstract: | ABSTRACT: Changes in age and sex suicide rates and methods are shown for a 20-year period. Rate increases from the earliest base have occurred in all age-sex groups. The proportion of poison suicides has increased greatly beginning in 1960 for women, 1965 for men. Adults 30 and over account for most of the increase in ingested poisons; death by carbon monoxide also occurs with increasing frequency among all males, as do violent suicides in males under 30. Accidental poisonings follow a similar pattern. In view of increasing alcohol consumption, risks of concomitant alcohol-drug use are discussed, as are certain protective features for women inherent in their disproportionately high use of medically prescribed drugs. |
