Ranchi, Sept. 2: Over 1,500 persons commit suicide in the state every year with more than 60 per cent cases falling in the age bracket of 15 to 40 years.

The reverse trend of youths committing more suicide and the spurt in the number of suicide cases are alarming, felt psychiatrists during a daylong workshop on sui- cide at Ranchi Institute of Neuro-Psychiatry and Allied Services.

The workshop was organised on the occasion of the seventh annual conference of Jharkhand branch of Indian Psychiatric Society here today.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Amool Ranjan Singh, a senior Ranchi Institute of Neuro-Psychiatry and Allied Services teacher, said that girls outnumber boys in terms of attempting suicide, but finally more number of boys die due to the same.

“Economic problems, failure in achieving short and long-term goals, failed relationships among various other reasons were attributed as some of the main reasons behind suicide attempts. Elderly people taking the drastic step used to be the earlier trend in maximum number of cases. But lately, that trend has undergone a complete reversal and it has now become more concerning for the society as a whole,” said Singh.

Dr S. Choudhury and Dr D. Giri, who were among the other speakers at the workshop, threw light on the latest trends in suicides and preventive aspects.

The experts said that most vulnerable section belonged to the age group of 15 to 24.

As far as all India figures are concerned, experts delved, every year 1.75 lakh deaths take place due to suicide, while 6 lakh people attempt suicide. About four suicide deaths pour in from across the state.

During the seventh annual conference, new office-bearers of Jharkhand branch of Indian Psychiatric Society were installed.

Replacing Dr D. Ram, the new state chapter president Dr S. Choudhury was appointed today. Dr Milind Borde is the new treasurer, while Dr T. Sudhir has been elected as new general secretary.

Dr N.N. Aggrawal, the director and the in-charge director of Ranchi Institute of Neuro-Psychiatry and Allied Services, graced the occasion.

A dance and music fiesta was also organised in the evening by Ladies Club Rotary Ranchi North on the Ranchi Institute of Neuro-Psychiatry and Allied Services campus.