A DETAILED STUDY ON SUICIDES IN BARANYA COUNTY (HUNGARY)

Suicidal deaths which occurred in Baranya County, Hungary between 1983 and 1987 were investigated with regard to biodemographical aspects. T he number of suicidal deaths for this period was 1056 and the rate for this region was higher in villages than in towns, The male: female ra tio was 3:1. The analysis of age groups showed that the rate increased with age and that the most frequent method was by hanging (50-55%). M oreover in 375 cases in-depth interviews were made with the relatives. The analysis of the interviews showed that 20% of elderly males could not cope with their losses and found no way out except through suicid e. Suicide was less frequent among persons with intellectual occupatio ns. Severe alcohol abuse was found in 165 cases. In 83% of the 1056 ca ses studied, pathological disorders of varying severity were observed. Toxicological analysis was performed in 810 cases but 17.9% of these cases should be isolated since they involved acute drug intoxication, Our data showed that most of the suicide victims contacted a doctor an d received some treatment immediately before death or not long before. The present health and geriatric care systems in Hungary do not provi de a level of psychotherapeutic care which could protect the populatio n at risk from suicide. In our opinion, it would be reasonable to deve lop the knowledge of practitioners and health care personnel working i n this field.