KATHMANDU: Majority of suicide cases are attributed to the persons' failure to cope with psychological distress, says a report published by Nepal Police. Ninety-seven suicide cases were reported in the Valley alone in the last three months.

The report also made an astounding revelation that men were more suicide-prone. Women, who make 40 per cent of all suicide cases, were more likely to endure their sufferings.

"Over 50 per cent suicide cases are attributed to financial and social failures, depression and domestic violence," said AIG Kalyan Kumar Timsina, Commissioner, Metropolitan Police Commissioner's Office, which studied related cases from July 16 to October 17.

Most suicides -- 60 -- occurred in Kathmandu during the period, with 27 and 10 cases in Lalitpur and Bhaktapur districts, respectively. "Fifty-seven persons killed themselves by hanging while 35 consumed poison to kill self in the Valley," said AIG Timsina.

Dr Kabindra Dangol, psychiatrist at TU Teaching Hospital in Maharajgunj, said schizophrenia patients were most vulnerable to suicide. "The number of men falling victim to schizophrenia far exceeds that of women," he noted, adding that men, who are often quick-tempered and decide out of frustration, were more likely to commit suicide while females often dare fight the psychological and social pressure.

SP Nawa Raj Silwal, in charge of Metropolitan Police Range at Hanumandhoka, argued that high density of population, high cost of living and family and mental tensions were fuelling the crime in the city.

"Hopelessness, failure in academic field and tussle between husbands and wives also create suicidal impulses," he informed. People in the age range 16 to 45 committed most suicides.