Saludos.
Effect of death of diana, princess of wales on suicide
and deliberate self-harm.
Hawton K, Harriss L, Simkin S, Juszczak E, Appleby
L, McDonnell R, Amos T, Kiernan K, Parrott H
Centre for Suicide Research, University Department of
Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford.
[Medline record in process]
BACKGROUND: The death of the Princess of Wales in 1997
was followed by widespread public mourning. Such major events may influence
suicidal behaviour. AIMS: To assess the impact of the Princess's death
on suicide and deliberate self-harm (DSH). METHOD: Analysis, using Poisson
regression, of the number of suicides and open verdicts ('suicides') in
England and Wales following the Princess's death compared to the 3 months
beforehand, and the equivalent periods in 1992-1996. Similar analysis on
DSH presentations to a general hospital. RESULTS: Suicides increased during
the month following the Princess's funeral (+17.4%). This was particularly
marked in females (+33.7%), especially those aged 25-44 years (+45. 1%).
Suicides did not fall in the week between the death and the funeral. Presentations
for DSH increased significantly during the week following the death (+44.3%),
especially in females (+65.1%). Examination of case notes suggested that
the influence of the death was largely through amplification of personal
losses or exacerbation of existing distress. CONCLUSIONS: The death of
a major public figure can influence rates of suicidal behaviour. For DSH,
the impact may be immediate, but for suicide it may be delayed.
PMID: 11060002, UI: 20514111