Scotland’s Suicide Rate On The Rise

Suicides in Scotland have increased significantly in the past 15 years, figures show, and experts yesterday called for increased efforts to target those most at risk. A major study analysing data from 1989 to 2004 has revealed that the suicide rate in men has increased by 22 per cent, while in women it is up 6 per cent.

The rates of suicide in Scotland are the highest in the UK, almost double those in England. Recent figures suggest suicide rates are dropping, but experts say it is too early to tell if this trend will continue. The reasons for Scotland’s suicide record remain unclear, although high levels of deprivation, alcohol and drug abuse and large numbers of people living in remote areas are possible risk factors.

The 270-page report, published today, also reveals details of those who are most at risk of suicide in Scotland – showing variations between rich and poor. The study, carried out by researchers in Edinburgh, Dundee and St Andrews, identifies suicide rates in some parts of Scotland as double those in other areas.

Professor Stephen Platt, from Edinburgh University, said there now needed to be more effort to target initiatives at deprived areas. The Scottish Executive, which commissioned the report, said its suicide prevention strategy – Choose Life – would now introduce more initiatives to target those groups most at risk. The Executive has set a target to cut suicides by 20 per cent by 2013 from a rate of 17.4 per 100,000 in 2002.

Suicide rates in Scotland are three times higher in men than in women. There were also wide regional variations. The highest rate for men was in the Western Isles, at 45.3 suicides per 100,000 people, followed by Highland (44) and Glasgow (43.6). All these areas had more than double rates in the lowest areas – East Renfrewshire (16.6), East Dunbartonshire (20.5) and East Lothian (22.8).

Prof Platt said there was a huge need to target prevention efforts in Glasgow. “There are large pockets of deprivation in the city and this is most likely linked to the higher levels of suicide we are seeing there,” he said.

In the period 1989-95, people in the most deprived areas were around twice as likely to commit suicide as those in the least deprived areas. But by 1996-2002, they were three times more likely to kill themselves.

Lewis Macdonald, the deputy health minister, said the Executive was committed to tackling suicide rates. “We will continue to raise awareness of this problem, specifically focusing more action on groups at heightened risk of suicide, such as those with mental ill-health, people living in deprived areas, prisoners and those with drug and alcohol addictions,” he said. “Choose Life will also be undertaking more action targeted at men and those living in remote and rural communities, as we know there can be higher rates of suicides in these areas.”