PARASUICIDE IN THE COUNTY OF SOR-TRONDELAG NORWAY - GENERAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PSYCHOLOGICAL-FACTORS

During the period 1 October 1988 to 31 December 1993, 2068 episodes of parasuicide involving 1543 persons were registered in the county of S or-Trondelag, Norway. Parasuicide rates decreased in the area compared with 1987, more for females than for males. Rates were higher for div orced females and separated males than for those of other marital stat uses, but these rates were lower than previously found in the same are a. The proportion of unemployed patients remained fairly stable, while the rate of unemployment increased in the general population. Compare d to males, female parasuicide patients more often reported family pro blems and economic inactivity, and more often had been victims of viol ence or sexual abuse. Male parasuicide patients more often than female s were living alone, were unemployed, abused alcohol, had financial pr oblems, and had been engaged in criminal activity. Compared with older parasuicide patients, the young of both sexes were more often unemplo yed and abused drugs, but had less often been in contact with the heal th or social services. In addition, young female parasuicide patients more often had experienced family problems and suicidal behaviour amon g family or friends. The results were generally considered to be consi stent with theories of sex role stereotypes, which emphasize expressiv e traits in an affiliative context for females and instrumental traits in a public or economic context for men.