The aim of the study was to identify sociodemographic, and clinical risk factors for suicide in the population of service-users (SUs) and nonservice users (NSUs) and gender-related characteristics of suicidal behaviour in a limited geographic region.

Data of 68 suicide cases (ICD-10 X60-X84) collected for residents on the Isle of Wight District between January 2006 and December 2009. All data were statistically analysed by using Pearson's chi-squared test and Yates’ correction for continuity.

The mean annual suicide rates were 5.65 per 100.000 for women and 19.28 for men. Significantly (p=0.0006) more men than women (male/female ratio 3:1) died as a result of suicide. Relatively (p=0.07) more women (56.2%) than men (32.7%), and significantly more (p=0.05) SUs (45.3%) than NSUs (13.3%) were unemployed. Significantly more (p=0.0006) SUs (64%) than NSUs (20%) had a history of suicide and relatively (p=0.06) more (50.9%) SUs than NSUs (20%) had attended the A & E. Depression as the most common Axis-I illness was diagnosed in 36% of all; but significantly (p=0.008) more in women (66.6%) than men (17.3%). Relatively (p=0.07) more women (56.2%) than men (32.7%) have contactacted serivces before their death. Suicide by hanging was the most common cause acounting for death of 71% of men and 50% of women.

80% of all suicides were conducted by people suffering from mental disorders. Depressive disorders in women and stressrelated disorders in men were the most common mental disorders. Treating mental disorders seem to be one of the key elements in suicide prevention.