Infomation on suicide and depression

Medline Health Info: Suicide

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A Comprehensive Approach to Suicide Prevention

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typically respond to proper treatment, and usually can be avoided with early intervention for depressive illness. Any concerns about suicidal risk should always be taken seriously and evaluated by a qualified professional immediately.

Statistics on Suicide

Up to 15% of those who are clinically depressed die by suicide.

In 1997, suicide was the 8th leading cause of death in the United States. 10.6 out of every 100,000 persons died by suicide. The total number of suicides was approximately 30,535.

In 1996 there were an estimated 500,000 suicide attempts.

There are an estimated 8 to 25 attempted suicides to 1 completion; the ratio is higher in women and youth and lower in men and the elderly.

More than four times as many men than women die by suicide. However, women report attempting suicide about twice as often as men.

Suicide by firearms is the most common method for both men and women, accounting for 58% of all suicides in 1997.

72% percent of all suicides and 79% of all firearm suicides are committed by white men. The highest suicide rate was for white men over 85 years of age-65 per 100,000 persons.

Over the last several decades, the suicide rate in young people has increased dramatically. In 1997, suicide was the 3rd leading cause of death in 15 to 24 year olds-11.5 of every 100,000 persons-following unintentional injuries and homicide.