Update of suicide trends in Italy from 1986 to 1996

Background In some Western countries increasing suicide rates have been observed among males, especially young men, with a decline of female suicides. The present study analysed age-specific and age-standardised suicide rates in Italy. Method From 1986 to 1996 national statistics on numbers of suicides in each sex and age group were examined. Results Overall, suicides have remained substantially stable from 1986 to 1996. Among males over 45 years of age rates progressively decreased, and among subjects below 15 years rates remained stable. In the 15–24 and 25–44 age groups rates progressively rose: an overall increase of 2.76/100,000 and 1.60/100,000 was recorded, respectively. Among females over 45 years of age suicide rates progressively decreased, while rates in the other age groups remained fairly stable. Conclusion The present analysis documents a rise in suicides among young men, and highlights the need for age-specific suicide prevention programmes. Accepted: 11 January 2001