Youth Suicide

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YOUTH SUICIDE

Suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death for young people (ages 15-29); only accidents and homicides occur more frequently.

SUICIDE IS
PREVENTABLE

Each year, there are approximately 12 suicides for every 100,000 adolescents.

Risk Factors

Approximately 12 young people between the ages of 15-24 die every day by suicide.

Warning Signs

In 2000, 29,350 people completed suicide. 13.6% of all suicides were committed by persons under the age of 25.

How to Help

Youth Suicide

Whereas suicides account for 1.2% of all deaths in the US annually, they comprise 12.8% of all deaths 15-24 year olds.

Elderly Suicide

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Suicide rates, for 15-24 year olds, are 300% higher than those of the 1950’s.

Suicide rates for those 15-19 years old increased 11% between 1980 and 1997. Suicide rates for those the ages of 10-14, however, increased 99% between 1980 and 1997. Both age groups have shown small declines in rates in the past two years.

Firearms remain the most commonly used method among youth, regardless of race or gender, nearly accounting for almost three of five completed suicides.

Research has shown that the access to and the availability of firearms is a significant factor in the increase of youth suicide.

The male to female ratio (in 2000) of completed suicides was 3.7: 1 among 10-14 year olds, and 5: 1 among 19 year olds, and 6.2: 1 among 20-24 year olds.

Black male youth (ages 10-14) have shown the largest increase in suicide rates since 1980 compared to youth groups by sex and ethnicity, increasing 180%. Among 15-19 year old black males, rates (since 1980 increased 80% (2000 data).

Research has shown that most adolescent suicides occur in the afternoon or early evening and in the teens home.

Nationwide, nearly one in five high school students have stated on self-report surveys that they have seriously considered attempting suicide during the preceding 12 months.

A prior suicide attempt is an important risk factor for an eventual completion.

The typical profile of an adolescent nonfatal suicide attempter is a female who ingests pills; while the profile of the typical completer suicide is a male who dies from a gunshot wound.

Not all adolescent attempters may admit their intent. Therefore, any deliberate self--harming behaviors should be considered serious and in need of further evaluation.

Most adolescent suicide attempts are precipitated by interpersonal conflicts. The intent of the behavior appears to be to effect change in the behaviors or attitudes of others.

Repeat attempters (those making more than one non lethal attempt) use their behavior as a means of coping with stress and ten to exhibit more chronic symptomology, poorer coping histories, and a higher presence of suicidal and substance abusive behaviors in their family histories.

Many teenagers may display one or more of the problems or “signs” detailed below. The following list describes some potential factors of risk for suicide among youth. If observed, a professional evaluation is strongly recommended.

Presence of a psychiatric disorder (e.g., depression, drug or alcohol, behavior disorders, conduct disorder [e.g., runs away or has been incarcerated]).