Suicidal thoughts common

Suicidal thoughts and behaviours are not uncommon among the Australian adult population, a national survey shows. The survey of 8841 individuals aged 16-85 people showed 13% of respondents had "serious thoughts about suicide" during their lifetime, 4% had made a suicide plan and 3% had attempted suicide. According to the survey, one in four of those who made a suicide attempt did not subsequently seek treatment for a mental health problem. In general, suicidality in the previous 12 months tended to be relatively more common in women, younger people, the unemployed, and those with mental disorders, and less common in those who were married or in de facto relationships, and those with moderate levels of education. Among those with affective disorders, 17% had suicidal ideation, 6% had made a suicide plan, and 4% had made a suicide attempt. For people with substance use disorders and the prevalence of ideation, plans and attempts was 11%, 4%, and 3% respectively. For people with anxiety disorder the prevalence figures were 9%, 2% and 2%. The survey noted the prevalence of suicide attempts in the adult population had changed little since a similar survey in 1997, despite the annual rate of completed suicides falling. "It may be that even though the proportion of the population who attempt suicide has not reduced, those who do are making fewer or less serious attempts, or using less lethal means," they said....