Fatal and nonfatal suicide attempts among adolescents - Oregon, 1988-1993
Article Abstract:
The Oregon Adolescent Suicide Attempt Data System (ASADS) was set up in 1988 to track the unusually high rate of adolescent suicide in Oregon. From 1990 to 1992, the system registered a sixfold increase in the suicide rate for teens aged 15 to 19. The state's rate of 15.5 deaths per 100,000 among teens who died by suicide was 39.6% higher than the national rate. From 1988 to 1993, 3,783 young people in Oregon 17 or younger attempted suicide. Most (78.8%) of the attempts were made in the young person's home. In 59.4% of the cases, family problems were determined to be the cause of the suicide attempt. Females were most likely to attempt suicide by using drugs. Males most often used firearms, suffocation, hanging, cutting or piercing. Most attempts using firearms proved fatal. ASADS probably underestimates the number of suicide attempts because only hospitals are required to report the incidences. Though the system needs some refinements, it is expected to be useful in devising prevention programs.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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Suicide among children, adolescents, and young adults - United States, 1980-1992
Article Abstract:
U.S. teens between the ages of 15 and 19 were particularly vulnerable to suicide from 1980 to 1992. Statistics covering those years from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show a 28.3% increase in suicide among teens aged 15 to 19 years, even though the rate among young people under the age of 25 declined modestly. A total of 5.4 per 100,000 persons under age 25 took their own lives compared to 10.9 per 100,000 among teens aged 15 to 19. Suicide rates declined among young adults aged 20 to 24, except for African-American males. From 1980 to 1992, 67,369 young people committed suicide, largely by hanging, poisoning and firearms injuries. Reasons for suicide include family violence and other family problems, substance abuse, aggressive and antisocial behavior, and mental illness. Young people at risk should receive counseling. Peer groups and suicide prevention centers could help prevent suicide.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
User Contributions:
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