Frequencies and Trends in Attempted Suicide in the Federal Republic of Germany: A Methodological Study

Abstract

The results of several studies on the frequency and trends in attempted suicides in the Federal Republic of Germany differ. On the one hand, a rising trend, particularly in younger age groups, has often been pointed out (Specht 1976; Schmitz 1980; Welz 1978, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1986). On the other hand, it has been stressed that attempted suicides peaked last in the years 1976–1978 and that their frequency has fallen in the last few years (Häfner 1985 b). Past research has not shown definitively whether there is a secular trend (Kreitman 1980) in attempted suicides as in suicides: such studies have all been conducted on the basis of service contacts, and, therefore, artifacts resulting from changes in service provision cannot be ruled out. Even the most recent reports on increases refer to data collected several years ago. There is also controversy as to whether certain types of attempted suicides are increasing or decreasing. Radmayr (1980) argues that purely “demonstrative” suicide attempts are decreasing, as there are other types of responses available these days. In Mannheim, Häfner (1985 a, b) found indications of the greatest fluctuations occurring in the frequency of less severe parasuicidal acts in which the intention to die was not very serious and was often dominated by other objectives.

Coordinated at the Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health, and the Psychiatric Department of the University of Würzburg.