Suicide in Children and Adolescents in England and Wales 1960–1990

BACKGROUND: Following reports of recent increases in adult male suicides in England and Wales, suicide rates for children and adolescents are reviewed. METHOD: By using estimated mid-year populations for five-year age bands, the suicide rates for 10-14 year-olds and 15-19 year-olds are calculated between 1960-1990. The same method is used to obtain rates for 'undetermined' death and 'accidental' death by causes comparable to suicide. RESULTS: The only group to show an increase in suicide rate since the 1970s has been males aged 15-19 years. This increase persists even when 'undetermined' and 'accidental' death rates for causes similar to suicide are examined. The increase is associated with an increase in hanging and self-poisoning with vehicle exhaust gas. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in suicide rate in 15-19 year-old males may indicate increased psychosocial stress, particularly affecting this age/gender group.