Changes in the methods used for suicide in 16 countries from 1960 to 1980.

Suicide rates by each major method of suicide are presented for 16 countries in 1960-1964 and in 1980. The overall suicide rate rose during this period in the sample countries. Suicide rates by motor vehicle exhaust, hanging, firearms and other methods rose during this period, suicide rates by domestic gas fell, and suicide rates by solids or liquids, drowning and cutting did not change. It is suggested that the changing availability of methods is probably responsible for these changes in the suicide rates by each method.