Decrease and seasonal changes of suicides and suicide attempts in France over the last 10 years

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this study was to examine the evolution of suicides and suicide attempts over the last 10 years in France, according to the season. Methods: We analyzed the number of deaths by suicide and suicide attempts in metropolitan France (2009-2018) from French national databases, on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Seasonal variation in suicide rates was modeled using a cosinor function. Based on this model, we determined the association of suicides and suicide attempts with geographic characteristics of the departments, age, gender, and psychiatric disorders. We also collected data on the means of suicide and suicide attempt. Results: The number of suicides and suicide attempts decreased over the last ten years in France (mean decrease of 14.49% and 11.69% per year). We observed a significant and recurrent seasonal pattern of suicides and suicide attempts in France, with a peak in spring. The suicide and suicide attempt rates were higher in the northern departments of France. Suicides are more common among men (75%) and middle-age individuals (45-54 years old), while suicide attempts affected more frequently women (62%) and young adults (15-19 and 40-49 years old). Nearly two-thirds of the patients who attempted suicide suffered from comorbid psychiatric disorder, with mood disorders being the most frequent psychiatric disorder. Voluntary drug intoxication was the most common means of suicide attempt (80%), while hanging was the most common means of suicide (54%). Conclusion: The number of suicides and suicide attempts decreased in France over the last 10 years, with large seasonal variations. Further studies are warranted to better understand the underpinning physiological and meteorological factors that may influence these seasonal variations.