Men in 20s most likely to commit suicide

MEN in their mid-to-late 20s are most likely to take their own lives, the latest suicide report shows.

In a five-year period to 2002, the average male suicide rate doubled compared to the early 1980s.

Suicide among men in 2002 accounted for 31% of all male deaths from external causes.

However, the final annual report of the National Suicide Review Group (NSRG) released yesterday pointed to “significant developments and achievements in suicide prevention” in 2004.

The NSRG is to be replaced by a steering group of key individuals who will guide the work of the National Office for Suicide Prevention established by the Health Service Executive.

The findings of studies and projects examined by the group noted Irish adolescents have good mental health and report high levels of general wellbeing.

The newly published report showed the national suicide rate was 12.2 per 100,000 population while the rate for 25 to 29-year-old men continues to be the highest at 20.6 per 100,000.

Across the health service areas there was little regional variation, although the lowest rate for suicide was found in the north-western health board area at 7.0 per 100,000 population. The highest rate recorded was 14.6 per 100,000 population in the midlands health area.

Launched yesterday by Junior Minister Tim O’Malley, the aim of the NSRG’s annual report is to facilitate the sharing of information across the health service areas and other sectors regarding suicide prevention projects. It should also ensure accurate and current information on the patterns of death by suicide in Ireland.

Mr O’Malley said statistical information was essential in the development of policies and the implementation of measures aimed at preventing suicide. It also helped, he said, to identify vulnerable groups. Although the high number of suicides among young men continues to be a cause for concern, the report suggests Ireland’s suicide rate is not high compared to our European partners.

Startling statistics, however, show the rate of death by suicide was four-and-a-half times higher for males.

Suicide was highest among the 25 to 44 year age group in four of the eight health area regions for the total population and the male population.

Overall, the report suggested the rate of death by suicide appeared to stabilise in recent years following a peak of 13.9 per 100,000 population in 1998.