Researchers at Indiana University have found that suicide rates increase during the week of the full moon. Research published in the journal Explore Mental Health.
Psychiatrists studied data from the Marion County office in Indiana on suicides that occurred in 2012-2016. They found that suicide deaths increased significantly during the week of the full moon, and the increase was even higher in people over the age of 55.
They also found that the death rate was higher in September, in the middle of the month, and between 3 and 4 pm. This means that high-risk patients may need to be monitored more closely during the full moon week, later in the evening, and possibly into September.
The study’s authors had previously discovered biomarkers associated with an increased risk of suicide. They believe these biomarkers may also be related to human circadian rhythms.
In addition, the increase in light from the full moon may be the reason for the increase in the number of suicides during this period, as lighting plays an important role in the daily rhythm.
The peak of suicides from 3 to 4 pm may be associated with reduced light as well as stress factors during the day. And in September for many, summer vacation ends, which can be stressful.