While the number of suicide deaths is significant across all age groups, particular age groups are at relatively higher risk from attempted suicide and death by suicide. For example, in young males, the number of deaths from suicide increased from 258 in 1982 to 345 in 1993. This suggests that major interventions affecting young men, such as drink-driving laws, speed radar, as well as other driving safety improvements, may have had some success. Other leading causes of accidental death in young people have remained relatively stable over the same period.
Suicide attempts are far more frequent than death by suicide and occur more often among females.
One estimate suggests that for all age groups, attempted suicide rates may be as high as 250 per 100,000 population for females, and 180 per 100,000 for males. The most reliable information available on attempted suicide is obtained from hospital separation rates for self-inflicted injury. An internationally consistent increase has been found in suicide attempts in industrialised countries in the last decade or so, especially in younger age groups. The causes of suicide death and attempted suicide are multi-factorial, with a range of potential risk factors, which often interact. Mental health disorders and mental problems are the major risks factor in all age groups.