SUICIDE IN AVON - LIFE STRESS, ALCOHOL MISUSE AND USE OF SERVICES

Background Suicide rates among young men are rising. Further informati on about their contacts with services and possible associated stressfu l life events is necessary. Method The sample consisted of all cases w here the coroner in the County of Avon had given an inquest verdict of suicide over a 20-month period, together with those who were categori sed as suicide by a panel of psychiatrists even though they had receiv ed open or accidental inquest verdicts. The coroner's dossiers and hos pital notes were examined and the relevant general practitioners inter viewed. Results Interpersonal stress in the last 72 hours was much hig her in younger suicides. Young male suicides were also much less likel y than others to seek help. Levels of alcohol misuse were no higher in younger than older suicides. Conclusions Various subgroups of suicide behave differently in the way they seek and utilise help. The implica tions of these findings for suicide prevention and service strategy ar e discussed.