Shock findings on suicide

[Posted: Mon 19/11/2007 by Niall Hunter, Editor www.irishhealth.com]

A new study has revealed that 65% of young suicide cases recorded in counties Sligo and Leitrim over a 13-year period had no previous psychiatric history. 

The study of 108 cases of suicide in the two counties between 1993 and 2006 also found that 71% of the suicides occurred in those under 45 years of age. 

The study, by Drs Patrick Mc Sharry and Kim Wilson, examined suicide cases dealt with by the coroner's court over the 13-year period; it is the largest suicide study to date in one coroner's catchment area outside of Dublin.

The researchers found that 56% of the people who completed suicide had either alcohol or drugs detected in their system at autopsy.

They said it was also significant that more than two-thirds of the young suicide cases had no previous recorded history of psychiatric problems. 

It was found that 83% of the cases studied were male and 71% were single.

Hanging was the method used in 50% of the suicides and drowning in 25%. 

Dr Mc Sharry said the findings point to the need for early detection of at-risk people through screening
and for adequate support systems to be put in place.

The research was presented at the winter meeting of the Irish College of General Practitioners in Dublin. 

heat  Posted: 04/09/2009 18:15

I have to say it is the the hardest thing anybody can go through after someone belonging to them taking there own life. My father was 68 suffered with depression for years and hung himself in the house on the stairs we had no idea he was that bad it is hard for the people left behind we will never get over this we will always have questions but no answers hopefully more support will be out there for depression and people who want to take their own life.

purple  Posted: 14/10/2009 17:40

hi yes its a terrible thing for any family to go through, a young boy aged 20 in my around the area whre i live, he hung himself a few weeks ago, his poor mother found him, im always saying to my boys if u r depressed please tell me r your da r talk to someone.

heat  Posted: 15/10/2009 15:34

Hi Purple that is so sad so young his life only starting the poor mother she will never get over it.

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