• Martin Plöderl, Clemens Fartacek, Sabine Kunrath, Eva-Maria Pichler, Reinhold Fartacek, Christian Datz, and David Niederseer.
• 1 Suicide Prevention Research Program, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria 2 Department of Suicide Prevention, University Clinic of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy I, Christian Doppler Clinic, Salzburg, Austria 3 University Institute of Clinical Psychology, Christian Doppler Clinic, Salzburg, Austria m.ploederl@salk.at.
• Eur J Public Health. 2015 Jun 1; 25 (3): 410-3.

BackgroundContrary to the myth that suicides increase around Christmas, multiple studies reveal that suicide rates decrease towards Christmas and return back to normal or even peak in the beginning of the new year. We aimed to replicate this effect for Austria.MethodsThe analyses were based on the official suicide statistics 2000-13 using Poission regression and Bayesian changepoint analysis. We also investigated changes of suicide rates during other major holidays and weekends. Seasonal effects were controlled for by using restricted control periods.ResultsSuicide rates declined before Christmas and were minimal on December 24th, remained low until the end of the year, peaked on New Year's day, but remained at average level in New Year's week. In contrast, suicide rates increased in the week after Easter and on Mondays/Tuesdays after weekends. No significant effects were found in the week after Whitsun and summer holidays.ConclusionCompared with other holidays, Christmas time is clearly associated with fewer suicides in Austria, too, and may even counteract the 'broken promise' effect. This finding may help clarifying common myths in suicide prevention and may enhance the proper timing of preventive efforts.© The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Public Health Association. All rights reserved.

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