Suicide and unemployment in young people. Analysis of trends in England and Wales, 1921-1995

Br J Psychiatry. 1999 Sep:175:263-70. doi: 10.1192/bjp.175.3.263.

Abstract

Background: The influence of the macro-economic climate on suicide is unclear. During the recent recession, rates have increased in young males but declined in females.

Aims: To investigate associations between unemployment and suicide in 15- to 44-year-old men and women over a period spanning two major economic recessions (1921-1995). To minimise confounding by changes in method availability, analyses are restricted to suicides using methods other than poisons and gases.

Method: Time-series analysis using routine mortality and unemployment data.

Results: There were significant associations between unemployment and suicide in both males and females. Associations were generally stronger at younger ages.

Conclusions: Secular trends in youth suicide may be influenced by unemployment or other factors associated with changes in the macro-economic climate. These factors appear to affect women to the same extent as men. Although it is not possible to draw firm aetiological conclusions from time-trend data, our findings are in keeping with those of person-based studies.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Cause of Death
  • England / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Sex Distribution
  • Suicide / statistics & numerical data*
  • Suicide / trends
  • Unemployment / statistics & numerical data*
  • Unemployment / trends
  • Wales / epidemiology