Seasonal variation in suicide in a predominantly Caucasian tropical/subtropical region of Australia

Seasonal variations in suicide were examined in a Caucasian population livi ng relatively close to the equator. A spring/early summer peak, but no seco ndary autumn peak, was found for males. An autumn trough was found for fema les. No significant seasonal variation was found for rurality, distance fro m the equator, employment status, or methods of suicide. Post-mortem blood alcohol levels were higher in spring and summer, possibly reflecting social ization patterns. The modest associations are consistent with suggestion th at climatic influences may produce greater variation in suicide rates where the climatic variation itself is greater. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.