Suicide

Suicide in the United States

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States in 2001, 30,622 people died by suicide and about nine times that number were hospitalized or treated in emergency departments for attempted suicide. Suicide rates in the United States are highest in the spring and lowest in the winter, contrary to popular belief, and rates are higher in the western states as opposed to the eastern and Midwestern states. Women are about three times more likely than men to report attempting suicide in their lifetime, but men are four times more likely to die from suicide. Suicide rates are highest among Caucasians, followed by Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

Although rates of suicide among young people have declined in recent years, it is the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 24 years. In this age group, suicide rates are highest among Native Americans and Alaskan Natives and about six times as high for males as for females. Suicide rates increase with age and are highest among those aged 65 years and older; the male/female ratio of suicides in this age group is similar to that among persons aged 15 to 24 years.

A number of risk factors have been identified for suicide. Personal history factors associated with increased suicide risk include previous suicide attempts, a history of mental disorders, a history of alcohol and substance abuse, a family history of child abuse, and a family history of suicide. Concurrent medical and psychological risk factors include impulsive or aggressive tendencies, feelings of hopelessness or isolation, and physical illness. Other risk factors include lack of access to mental health care, recent traumatic events, access to lethal methods of suicide such as firearms, and local epidemics of suicide. Protective factors include access to medical and psychological care, family and community support, maintaining ongoing relationships with medical and mental health care providers, and personal skills in problem solving and conflict resolution.

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