Suicide in Latin America

Suicide rates in Latin America are lower than in other regions of the world. The suicide behaviour is known starting with the pre Colombian culture and right now it is associated with specific factors such as poverty, violence and displacement.

The suicide rates are increasing in countries such Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, México, Nicaragua, Paraguay y Uruguay as especially among teenagers and old people.

With the exception of Mexico, suicides are more frequent in men and the well known method is the mechanical asphyxia.

The few epidemiological studies have identified as factors of risk in family background, the presence of depressive and anxiety disorders, the abuse of psychoactive substances and alcohol, family dysfunction and school abuse (buying).

In some countries in Latin América there are programs of suicide prevention than consist in the epidemiological surveillance early detection of mental pathologies, psycho education and family attendance, nevertheless in countries with higher signs of poverty, suicide is not considered as a public health problem.

Keywords: Suicide, latin america, teenagers, elderly, risk factors, prevention.