Summary: A recent study reveals that preteen suicide rates have increased by 8% annually since 2008, with the highest rises among female, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Hispanic preteens.
The findings stress the need for culturally responsive prevention efforts, including risk screening and lethal means safety counseling. The study also found that hanging and suffocation are the most common methods, with firearms rapidly increasing. These insights call for targeted interventions to address this alarming trend.
Key Facts:
- Preteen suicide rates have increased by 8% annually since 2008.
- The highest increases are among female, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Hispanic preteens.
- Hanging and suffocation are the most common methods, but firearm use is rising rapidly.
Source: NIH
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that rates of preteen suicide (ages 8-12) have been increasing by approximately 8% annually since 2008.
These increases were most pronounced among female preteens, American Indian/Alaska Native or Asian/Pacific Islander preteens, and Hispanic preteens.
While the overall number of preteen suicides is small compared to teen and adult populations, the researchers say the findings from this analysis underscore the need for age-appropriate and culturally responsive prevention efforts that include suicide risk screening and lethal means safety counseling.
The findings also highlight the need to better understand, identify, and help preteens who may be at risk for suicide.
The researchers also found:
- Female preteens had a disproportionate increase in suicide rate compared to male preteens.
- Black preteens had the highest overall suicide rate.
- Hispanic preteens had the greatest percent increase in suicide rate.
- Hanging and suffocation were the most common suicide methods, but firearms were the most rapidly increasing suicide method.
Using 2001-2022 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System for U.S. youth (ages 8-12), the researchers examined suicide deaths overall and by sex, race, ethnicity, suicide method, metropolitan or non-metropolitan area, and geographic region.
The study was conducted in collaboration with lead researcher Donna A. Ruch and colleagues from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, and researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis.
The study appears in the journal JAMA Network Open.
Note:
If you are suicidal or in emotional distress, call or text 988 or chat online to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
About this mental health and suicide research news
Author: Claire Cole
Source: NIH
Contact: Claire Cole – NIH
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: The findings will appear in JAMA Network Open
