Suicidal behavior: Epidemiology

Abstract

Brazil is among the ten countries that record the highest absolute numbers of suicides, with 9,852 deaths in 2011. The average coefficient for the period of 2004-2010 was 5.7%. This figure increased 29.5% in the last two decades and is higher for men, elders, indigenous and small and mid-sized population towns. Mental disorders are present in most cases of suicide, especially depression, bipolar disorder, and dependence of alcohol and other psychoactive drugs. A population study revealed that, throughout life, 17.1% of people had suicidal ideation, 4.8% developed a suicide plan, and 2.8% actually attempted it. Giving particular attention to a person who has attempted suicide is a major prevention strategy.