Study reveals increase in suicide attempts among young adults

According to the CDC, from 1999 and 2014, the suicide rate jumped 24%, from 10.5 to 13.0 per 100,000 people. More specifically, the rate of suicide attempts has especially increased in younger adults with only a high school education and in those with previously diagnosed mood, anxiety, and personality disorders.

Sunday, September 10th was World Suicide Prevention Day, and September is Suicide Prevention Awareness month. It is a time to raise awareness, encourage communication, and help those affected by suicide. 

A new report published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry examined the circumstances that most influenced suicide risk factors.

The authors collected data from two surveys that asked 69,341 adults in the U.S. questions about the occurrence and timing of suicide attempts.

Suicide attempts increased in adults from .62 percent in 2004 through 2005 to .79 percent in 2012 through 2013. The surveys also showed that most of the suicide attempts had been women under the age of 50.

The risk of a suicide attempt increased with adults aged 21-34, with those who lacked a formal college education, and in adults who had antisocial personality disorders, a history of violent behaviors, or a history of anxiety or depressive disorders.  

“The pattern of suicide attempts supports a clinical and public health focus on younger, socioeconomically disadvantaged adults, especially those with a history of suicide attempts and common personality, mood and anxiety disorders,” the study reported.

To learn more about Suicide Prevention Awareness month and to see what resources are available, visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness Website.

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By Kay Vandette, Earth.com Staff Writer