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The British Journal of Psychiatry (2001) 178: 469-474
© 2001 The Royal College of Psychiatrists

Suicide in children and adolescents in England and Wales 1970-1998

G. M. G. McCLURE, FRCPsych

Brent, Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Mental Health NHS Trust and Imperial College School of Medicine, Child and Adolescent Services, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9NH

Declaration of interest None.

Background Suicide rates for England and Wales have been decreasing recently, but rates for young adult males remain high.

Aims To review changes in suicide rates for children and adolescents in England and Wales between 1970 and 1998.

Method Rates for suicide, ‘accidental’ death by causes similar to suicide and ‘undetermined’ death for 10-14- and 15-19-year-olds are calculated between 1970 and 1998 using suicide data and estimated mid-year populations obtained from the Office for National Statistics.

Results There has been a substantial increase in suicide rate between the 1970s and the 1990s for males aged 15-19 years. This remains true even when ‘undetermined’ and ‘accidental’ death rates for causes similar to suicide are examined. The increase was associated with an increase in self-poisoning with vehicle exhaust gas in the 1980s and an increase in hanging which has continued into the 1990s. Although there was a slight decrease in the official suicide rate for females aged 15-19 years, ‘undetermined’ deaths increased. There is no indication of a major change in suicide rate in 10-14-year-olds.

Conclusions The substantial increase in suicide rate in 15-19-year-old males may indicate increased psychosocial stress, particularly affecting this group.

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