[Suicide: epidemiological data]. / Epidémiologie du suicide.

Within developed countries suicide rates in France are one of the highest, and are a matter of public health concern. In 2008 (latest available year) suicide figure is 10,313 (7,589 men and 2,724 women), which represents rates of 25.2 for men and 8.5 for women (16.6 p.100,000 persons). About 20% of suicide death are not registered. Suicide has increased since the mid 70'until the mid 80' and has declined since that period, but remains still higher than before for women (about 5% more). For baby-boomers the increase of suicide with age is more important until 50 years old, but seems less after. This new age-trend is becoming the same as in northern Europe and western countries. Suicide is prevalent by the age of 30 years old: suicide death is the first cause of death by that age, and suicide attempts are at the top incidence rate. Suicide is an important cause of premature mortality, and attempted suicide a frequent cause for hospitalization especially for young people (more than 180,000 each year, all ages). According to way of live, those who are alone are more at risk, especially the widowers. Mental diseases are prevalent in past life for suicide patients. Risk for those persons is higher, and each year about 1% of suicide attempters make suicide.