Trends in self‐poisoning in the elderly 1974–1983

Although the total suicide rate in England and Wales has risen between 1974 and 1983, the proportion due to self ‐ poisoning has fallen, particularly in the younger age groups. While analgesics are now the commonest means of suicidal self ‐ poisoning in both sexes and at all ages, barbiturates still account for a significant proportion of elderly suicides. Tricyclics and benzodiazepines are implicated in a relatively small proportion of suicides in old age. If removal of the means of suicide is an effective preventive strategy in the elderly, then more careful prescribing practices could lead to a lower suicide rate in this age group.