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Youth
Suicide Facts
- Suicide ranks as the third leading cause of
death for young people (ages 15-19 and 15-29); only accidents
and homicides occur more frequently.
- Each year, there are approximately 12 suicides
for every 100,000 adolescents.
- Approximately 12 young people between the ages
of 15-24 die every day by suicide.
- Within every 1 hour and 57 minutes, a person
under the age of 25 commits suicide.
- In 1997, 30,535 people committed suicide. 15%
of all suicides were committed by persons under the age of 25.
- Whereas suicides account for 1.3% of all deaths
in the U.S. annually, they comprise 13.3% of all deaths among
15-24 year olds.
- Suicide rates rates for 15-24 year olds, are
300% higher than those of the 1950s, but have remained largely
stable at these higher levels since the late 1970s.
- Suicide rates for those 15-19 years old have
increased 11% since 1980 (1997 data). Suicide rates for those
between the ages of 10-14, however, have increased 99% since 1980.
- Firearms remain the most commonly used suicide
method among youth, regardless of race or gender, nearly accounting
for almost two of three completed suicides.
- Research has shown that the access to and availability
of firearms is a significant factor in the increase of youth suicide.
- The male to female ratio (1n 1997) of completed
suicides was 3.2 to 1 among 10-14 year olds, and 4.8 to 1 among
15-19 years olds, and 6.1 to 1 among 20-24 year olds.
- Black male youth (ages 10-14) have shown the
largest increase in suicide rates since 1980 compared to other
youth groups by sex and ethnicity, increasing 276%. Among 15-19
year old black males, rates (since 1980) have increased 103%.
- Research has shown that most adolescent suicides
occur in the afternoon or early evening and in the teen's home.
- Although rates vary somewhat by geographic
location, within a typical high school classroom, it is likely
that three students (one boy and two girls) have made a suicide
attempt in the past year.
- Nationwide, 20.5% of 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
nonlethal attempt) use their behavior as a means of coping with
stress and tend 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 more 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]).
- The expression/communication of thoughts
of suicide, death, dying, dying or the afterlife (in a context
of sadness, boredom, or negative feelings).
- Impulsive and aggressive behavior; frequent
expressions of rage.
- Previous exposure to other's suicidality.
- Recent severe stressor (e.g., difficulties
in dealing with sexual orientation; unplanned pregnancy or
other significant real or impending loss).
- Family loss of stability; significant
family conflict.
Reference: American
Association of Suicidology, "Youth Suicide Fact Sheet"
2001. |
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