A detailed study on suicides in Baranya County (Hungary).

Suicidal deaths which occurred in Baranya County, Hungary between 1983 and 1987 were investigated with regard to biodemographical aspects. The number of suicidal deaths for this period was 1056 and the rate for this region was higher in villages than in towns. The male: female ratio was 3:1. The analysis of age groups showed that the rate increased with age and that the most frequent method was by hanging (50-55%). Moreover in 375 cases in-depth interviews were made with the relatives. The analysis of the interviews showed that 20% of elderly males could not cope with their losses and found no way out except through suicide. Suicide was less frequent among persons with intellectual occupations. Severe alcohol abuse was found in 165 cases. In 83% of the 1056 cases studied, pathological disorders of varying severity were observed. Toxicological analysis was performed in 810 cases but 17.9% of these cases should be isolated since they involved acute drug intoxication. Our data showed that most of the suicide victims contacted a doctor and received some treatment immediately before death or not long before. The present health and geriatric care systems in Hungary do not provide a level of psychotherapeutic care which could protect the population at risk from suicide. In our opinion, it would be reasonable to develop the knowledge of practitioners and health care personnel working in this field.