Suicide

History of Suicidal Behaviors

Historical evidence shows that acts of suicide have been practiced throughout recorded human history. Perhaps one of the earliest popular historical depictions of suicide involves the death of Cleopatra of Egypt, who, it was alleged, willed a venomous snake to bite her in an intentional act to end her life. Since that time, a number of historical figures, including military leaders and biblical figures, have reportedly died by acts of suicide (e.g., Hannibal, Judas Iscariot). In the modern age, the deaths of notable public figures, such as artists, scientists, and authors, have also been attributed to suicide (e.g., Vincent van Gogh, Sigmund Freud). More recently, the suicides of renowned musicians and actors have received extensive media coverage, leading to debate surrounding the media reporting of suicides. Philosophical discussions centering on the topic of suicide date back to the Ancient Greeks. In particular, both Plato and Aristotle expressed their opposition to suicide in their writings. Similarly, a range of influential scholars and philosophers, including Immanuel Kant and Émile Durkheim, have proposed arguments both for and against the act of suicide.

Prevalence of Suicidal Behaviors

Calculating the number of completed suicides each year is a challenging and often imprecise task. First, due to the nature of some suicide methods (e.g., motor vehicle accident or drowning) and in the absence of a suicide note, it is often difficult for authorities to determine whether a death was accidental or intentional. Second, social or cultural factors may encourage the underreporting of suicides, particularly in regions where suicide may be highly stigmatized. Making meaningful comparisons of suicide rates between countries can be difficult due to differences in procedures for classifying and reporting suicide and an absence of data from many regions. Nonetheless, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly 1 million people complete suicide each year. Suicide is listed as one of the top three causes of mortality for youth in many nations. Historically, global rates of suicide fluctuate and appear to be influenced by a variety of major events (e.g., war, economic downturns, famine). The WHO estimates that worldwide suicide rates have increased by up to 60% within the past 45 years and that suicide will account for more than 2% of global disease burden by the second decade of the 21st century. The rate of nonfatal suicide attempts is believed to be far greater than completed suicides; however, as many survivors of suicide attempts will not subsequently seek medical or psychological treatment, precise numbers cannot be calculated. Nonetheless, the WHO reports that nonfatal suicide attempts may be 10 to 20 times more common than completed suicides. Based on this figure, it can be assumed that nonfatal suicide attempts contribute immensely to global morbidity through injury and permanent disablement.

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