Suicide Attempts 1973–1977—Urban Hobart. A Further Five Year Follow up Reporting a Decline *

Abstract

In urban Hobart 1968-1972 there was a steep climb in the self-poisoning rates, reaching a peak in 1972. This rise was largely attributed to an increase in self-poisonings by young males and an overall increase by females. During this period psychotropic overdoses commenced.

In 1973-1977 self-poisoning and self-injury rates were calculated. Contrary to the previous five year experience rates either declined during 1973 to 1977 or fell from a previous high rate to level off at a lower rate. These changes have particularly affected both sexes under 35 years. The abuse of psychotropic substances continued to soar.

A possible explanation of these changes may lie in local factors.

The results are contrasted with the most recent literature.