Child & Adolescent Suicide

Reproduced with permission from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Youth Suicide Facts

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students.
• Suicide is the third leading cause of death among all those 15-24 years old.
• Suicide is the fifth leading cause of death among all those 5-14 years old.
• Adolescent males complete suicide more than adolescent females by a ratio of over 4:1.
• From 1980 to 1996, the rate of suicide among persons aged 15-19 years increased by 14 percent and among persons aged 10-14 years by 100 percent.
• The suicide rate for white males (15-24) has tripled since 1950, while for white females (15-24) it has more than doubled.
• From 1980-1996, the suicide rate for African-American males aged 15-19 increased an alarming 105 percent.
• In 1999, 20 percent of American high school students reported having seriously considered or attempted suicide during the previous 12 months. Eight percent of students who seriously considered suicide actually attempted suicide.
• According a Department of Education study, drug and alcohol abuse was the most common characteristic of young people who attempted suicide; 70 percent of the attempters frequently used alcohol and/or other drugs.
• Ninety percent of adolescent suicide victims have at least one diagnosable, active psychiatric illness at the time death — most often depression, substance abuse and conduct disorders. According to one study, approximately 50 percent of these had a psychiatric diagnosis for two years or more.

Understanding the Risks for Teen Suicide

1. Suicidal thoughts
2. Psychiatric disorders (such as depression, impulsive aggressive behavior, bipolar disorder, certain anxiety disorders)
3. Drug and/or alcohol abuse
4. Previous suicide attempts

The risk is even greater if there is:

1. Access to firearms
2. Situational stress

Know the Warning Signs

Five Warnings Signs for Depression in Teens

1. Feelings of sadness or hopelessness, often accompanied by anxiety
2. Declining school performance
3. Loss of pleasure/interest in social and sports activities
4. Sleeping too little or too much
5. Changes in weight or appetite

Take Action

Three Steps Parents Can Take

1. Get your child help (medical or mental health professional).
2. Support your child (listen, avoid undue criticism, remain connected).
3. Become informed (library, local support group, Internet).

Three Steps Teens Can Take

1. Take your friend's actions seriously.
2. Encourage friend to seek professional help, accompany if necessary.
3. Talk to an adult you trust. Don't be alone in helping your friend.

Preventing Youth Suicide

• Prevention should include social policy that limits access to firearms, alcohol, and illicit substances, as well as responsible portrayal and coverage of suicide in the media.
• Another necessary component of prevention is the identification of potentially suicidal adolescents. Once potentially suicidal individuals have been identified, emphasis should be placed on seeking professional help, which should include intensive treatment of any underlying mental illness.

*Figures from the National Center for Health Statistics for the year 2001

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