A Study of Coroner's Records of Suicide in Young People, 1986–88 in Western Australia

Abstract

Coroner's records of 25 consecutive suicides aged 15–19 years and 43 aged 20–24 years were compared with 68 suicides aged 45–59 years to identify associated clinical and psychosocial factors. Male: female ratios were 2.6:1, 5.1:1 and 3.5:1 respectively. The most common method of suicide in males in all three age groups was CO poisoning using motor vehicles. In females the teenage group used mainly active methods, whilst in the 20–24 and 45–49 years age groups the most common method was over dosage. Over 90% of each age group had some identifiable psychiatric symptomatology. In each age group the commonest symptoms were minor affective symptoms. In each group the pattern was mainly of associated multiple rather than single psychosocial factors. In each group disruption of interpersonal relationships (boy-girlfriend, de facto, marital, family) was the predominant stressor. Compared with the 45–59 year group the following associated factors were significantly greater in (a) 15–19 years: personality/conduct disorders, unemployment and legal/disciplinary problems, and (b) 20–24 years: drug abuse and unemployment. Although the two younger groups had significantly more unemployment than the older group, only the 20–24 years group had significantly more unemployment compared with community age norms. Preventive implications of the findings are discussed.