Suicide Trends in an Expanding Mental Health Service in Auckland

Objective: Suicide is a global health priority. It is important to analyse the effects of investment in mental health services on suicide rates. This paper presents and discusses recent changes in suicide rates and diagnostic mix among clients of the mental health service in Auckland during a time of service growth. Method: Details of suicides among current clients were analysed for the years 1993 to 2006, comparing the periods 1993–1999 and 2000–2006. These periods were compared with the local population and national figures. Results: The local population suicide rate decreased significantly with the rate among clients increasing slightly so the proportion occurring among clients increased (up to 31%). There was an increase in non-psychotic diagnoses. Conclusions: As access to services expands the proportion of suicides that occur in known clients will paradoxically increase. Service expansion may have contributed to the falling population suicide rate in Auckland.