Young adults aged 18-29 years are significantly more likely to attempt suicide than are older adults, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The annual average prevalence of attempted suicide in the United States for 2008-2009 was 1.0% for those aged 18-29 years, and 0.3% for adults aged 30 and over. Arkansas and Rhode Island had the highest rates for 18- to 29-year-olds, and Iowa and Alaska had the lowest, the CDC said. (See graph, below.)
Overall, an estimated 1 million adults annually attempted suicide during 2008-2009. Approximately 2.2 million (or 1% of the U.S. adult population) made suicide plans, and an estimated 8.3 million (3.7% of adults) had suicidal thoughts, according to the report, which is the first to present state-level data on suicidal thoughts and behaviors among U.S. adults.
"Suicide is a preventable tragedy," said Pam Hyde, administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. "With this new data we will be able to work more effectively to reach people at risk and help keep them safe."
Note: Based on data from 92,264 respondents in the 2008 and 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention