Risk factors for suicide--an alternative view.

ABSTRACT

During the past years suicide statistics in Germany showed a dramatic decrease of suicide rates. Such a reduction in a comparatively short time period is not explainable by an altered frequency of major psychiatric disorders or certain neurobiological conditions that may underlie suicide; other factors causing or leading to suicide and their modification have to be considered. This overview illustrates various risk factors for suicide different from neurobiology. Epidemiological aspects and the effect of political, social and economic contributions to suicide rates are exemplified. With regard to the incidence of major psychiatric disorders the paper focuses on physical illnesses and their risk of suicide. Finally the significance of changes in the accessibility of suicide methods is discussed.