The role of sex and age in suicidal behavior.

Danish suicide rates for the last 65 years and data from 1976-1979 and 1989-1990, respectively, on attempted suicide in a representative Danish area show that marked changes have taken place in the distribution by sex and age of suicides and suicide attempters. Relatively more women are now taking their own life and, although suicidal risk still increases by age, the high-risk group also has come to include younger age groups. In contrast, relatively more men are attempting suicide, and the suicide attempters are getting older. Thus an equalization of the sexes has taken place, and the effect of age has become less pronounced. Both trends tally with the general trends in society.