Suicide in Israel: 1985-1997.

OBJECTIVE

To examine trends in suicide rates in Israel over a 13-year period.

METHOD: All cases of autopsy-confirmed suicide in Israel from 1985 to 1997 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

An overall annual increase in suicide rates, with rates in men 3 times higher than those in women, was observed. Suicide rates were highest in the second and third decades of life. Unlike Western countries where gunshot wounds are the most common method of suicide for men and poisoning is most common for women, asphyxiation by hanging was the most common method used by men in Israel, followed by firearm wounds and jumping from heights. In women, however, jumping from heights was the most common method, followed by hanging and poisoning.

CONCLUSION

Increasing rates of suicide may be associated with waves of immigration to Israel, increased substance abuse and depression and the political and social climate. Further study to examine the precipitating factors is warranted.