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Suicide by age, ethnic group, coroners' verdicts and country of birth

A three-year survey in inner London

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

Jan Neeleman ,
Vivienne Mak  and
Simon Wessely
Jan Neeleman*
Affiliation:
Department of Social Psychiatry, University of Groningen and Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, London
Vivienne Mak
Affiliation:
Lambeth Southwark and Lewisham Health Commission, London SEI
Simon Wessely
Affiliation:
Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, 103 Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF
*
Dr J. Neeleman, Department of Social Psychiatry, University of Groningen, PO Box 30001.9700 RB Groningen (NL). Fax 0031 50 316 1699; e-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Background

Information on suicide in ethnic and immigrant groups in England and Wales is limited.

Method

A three-year (1991–1993) survey was conducted of all unnatural deaths of residents of an urban area. ‘True likely’ and official’ age-adjusted suicide rates were compared by ethnicity and, for Whites, birthplace.

Results

Irrespective of verdict, 329 likely suicides were identified. Relatively few ethnic minority and White immigrant suicides had received a suicide verdict. Afro-Caribbeans had relatively low, and young Indian women relatively high suicide rates. Rates of Scottish- and Irish-born residents were 2.1 to 2.9 times higher than the local base rate. Young White males' rates were higher than those of the elderly.

Conclusions

Classification of suicide is biased with respect to ethnicity and national origin. Rate patterns for ethnic minority groups reflect patterns seen in attempted suicide. In this deprived area, young White male suicide rates have surpassed those among the old.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 171 , Issue 5 , November 1997 , pp. 463 - 467
Copyright
Copyright © 1997 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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