[Variations of suicide rate in the population. Historical perspective with special reference to the 1970s and 1980s].

The registration of suicide in Norway started in 1826. In the 19th century the statistics were based on information from clergymen. Today they are based on death certificates and additional information. By setting 8.0 per 100,000 population as the division between high versus low suicide rates, the period 1826-1990 can be divided into three parts; high rates 1826-65 and 1966-90 with an intervening a period of 100 years with low rates. There has been an increase in the number of suicides in the period 1970-89. From 1989 to 1992 deaths from suicide have decreased from 708 to 616. Among young men the increase has halted.