Under-reporting of suicide in Ireland 1960-1989

Abstract

World Health -on suicide data 1960-1989 were examined by sex and age to clarify under-reporting of Irish suicide. Three broad age groups (15-29, 30-54 and 55+ years) were combined with 3 year moving averages to reduce annual fluctuations. Trends were compared with three neighbouring British nations whose major trends might be expected to broadly parallel Irish trends. Marked rises across all age/sex groups were found for Ireland but generally not the other countries. The Irish rises commenced uniformly around 1971/72 and were followed by a striking partial levelling out around 1976/8. The uniformity of the Irish suicide rate rises strongly points to a common factor(s) operating across all age/sex groups - most likely changes in reporting of suicide. Significant rises unrelated to reporting changes Seem evident in males of all ages but not females. Data from 1978 onward is likely to be more valid than earlier data.