ATTEMPTED-SUICIDE IN OXFORD-UNIVERSITY STUDENTS, 1976-1990

During the 14 years between the beginning of academic year 1976-7 and the end of academic year 1989-90, 216 Oxford University students (119 females and 97 males) were referred to the general hospital in Oxford because of suicide attempts (254 in all). The rate of attempted suicid e during university term-time (106/100 000) was lower than in other yo ung people of similar age in Oxford City (164/100 000). The difference was particularly marked in females (178/100 000 v. 269/100 000). The lower rate in the students may in part reflect their generally higher socio-economic status. Very few of the attempts by the students appear ed to be failed suicides. The most frequent problems faced by the stud ents at the time of their attempts were interpersonal, especially diff iculties regarding partners, followed by academic problems. The latter were usually problems with ongoing course work rather than with the F inals examinations. Approximately a quarter of the students had psychi atric problems, with personality disorders and depression being most c ommon. Al least 30% had a history of previous attempts. Suggestions ar e made concerning measures for improving the management and prevention of attempted suicide by students,