Suicide Rates

Gender Differences

In the United States, men outnumber women in suicide deaths four to one, but women attempt suicide at least 10 times more often. Suicide is the seventh-leading cause of death for men in the United States and the 16th for women. Women in China, especially rural areas, have suicide rates equal to men.

Women and men typically differ in their approach to suicide. Men use more lethal means, mainly firearms; women are more likely to die by hanging/suffocation or to use poisons, particularly drugs in the United States and Europe. An overdose gives an individual time to reconsider and is often considered a cry for help rather than a serious attempt. However, when women intend to kill themselves, they do, usually with firearms in the United States.

It is unclear why women have lower suicide completions. Their higher levels of seeking help or their concern for their loved ones and the needs of their children may be protective. Globally, risk increases with age; in general, elderly men have the highest rates of suicide. The suicide rate among young people is increasing at a faster pace than among the elderly, but experts argue that this may indicate more accurate reporting. There has been a sharp increase in suicide among American girls ages 10 to 19 and among black youth. Women in the United States are most at risk for suicide death between the ages of 35 and 54.

Other Factors

Race and ethnicity also impact suicide, although data on minority women are slim. In the United States, suicide rates among black, Asian American, and Hispanic women are lower than among white and American Indian/Alaskan Native women. Globally, indigenous populations have relatively high rates of suicide. Married people are less likely to die by suicide than those who are single, divorced, or widowed. Having young children in the home and being pregnant are protective forces. The exception is the increased suicide risk among women with postpartum depression. Interpersonal crises, however, or a family history of suicide increase risk for later suicide.

Psychiatric illness is a major risk factor for suicide. Major affective, anxiety, substance abuse, and psychotic disorders predispose women to think about, attempt, and carry out suicide.

Individuals with serious depression are particularly vulnerable to suicide. Paradoxically, women have higher rates of major depression than men yet kill themselves at lower rates. Women who are clinically depressed, however, are more likely to die from suicide than women in the general population. Depression that is more severe and more chronic is related to higher suicide risk in both women and men. The feelings of hopelessness associated with depression make other solutions to perceived problems unimaginable. Risk increases when the depressive episode begins to set in or to lift. Previous attempts are a major risk factor for later suicide.

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