Suicide and unemployment in young people - Analysis of trends in England and Wales, 1921-1995

Background The influence of the macro-economic climate on suicide is unclea r. During the recent recession, rates have increased in young males but dec lined in females. Aims To investigate associations between unemployment and suicide in 15- to 44-year-old men and women over a period spanning two major economic recess ions (1921-1995). To minimise confounding by changes in method availability , analyses are restricted to suicides using methods other than poisons and gases. Method Time-series analysis using routine mortality and unemployment data. Results There were significant associations between unemployment and suicid e in both males and females. Associations were generally stronger at younge r ages. Conclusions Secular trends in youth suicide may be influenced by unemployme nt or other factors associated with changes in the macroeconomic climate. T hese factors appear to affect women to the same extent as men. Although it is not possible to draw firm aetiological conclusions from time-trend data, our findings are in keeping with those of person-based studies. Declaration of interest None.