The myth of the birthday blues: a population-based study about the association between birthday and suicide

Abstract 

Purpose

The problem of time distribution of suicide has aroused the interest of various investigators in the past. A population-based study on the association of the birthday in relation to the time of suicide taking into account sex and the chosen suicide method was conducted.

Methods

The study included all residents of Bavaria who died between 1998 and 2003 and whose death was classified as suicide by the death certificate. In sum, 11378 deaths from suicide were included. The suicide ratios in various time frames around the individuals' birthdays were compared with expected suicide ratios.

Results

The occurrence of suicide did not vary around the birthday. Different time frames (3, 7, 14, 30, and 90 days) before as well as after the individuals' birthdays were taken into account. Even after dichotomization regarding the chosen method as well as sex differences, no significant association between birthdays and dates of suicide could be found.

Conclusion

There is no evidence for a “birthday blues” effect on suicide.