Mental Health: mortality

Mental ill-health is a common cause of premature mortality in Scotland. Suicide is one of the main causes of premature death and has increased steadily in young men under 40 and in the most deprived socio-economic group since the 1970s (CMO, Health in Scotland, 2002).

The key statistics available on suicide and mortality are as follows:

• In Scotland, in 2004, there were 835 deaths by intentional self harm and undetermined intent. This equates to an age standardised rate of 15.9 per 100,000. The rate for males is nearly three times that for females.
• The risk of death by intentional self harm or undetermined intent in the most deprived areas of Scotland is almost double the Scottish average.
• Scotland's rate is higher than rates in other parts of the UK.

Further detailed statistics on suicide mortality, for Scotland and by NHS board and local authority, can be found in the Suicide section.