The rate of suicide attempt has been increasing over the past decade. A recently published article investigated the temporal trend of suicide attempts in adolescent/young adult population (10 – 25 years old) from 2000 to 2018.
Methods
- All intentional – suspected suicide cases were identified from the National Poison Data System from Jan 1, 2000 to December 31, 2018.
- Following age groups were compared: 10-12, 13-15, 16-18, 19-21 and 22-25 years old.
Results
- A total of 1,677,435 cases were identified with 0.1% fatality (n=1579).
- Female: 70.6% (n=1,184,691)
- Single substance (64.1%; n=1,074,423)
- Highest suicide attempt rate: 16-18 years (30.1%; n=504,682)
- Lowest suicide attempt rate: 10-12 years (2.3%; n=38,428)
- The suicide attempt rate increased significantly starting 2011 in 10-12, 13-15 and 16-19 years age groups with seasonal trend
- Higher during school months (Sept to May) vs. non-school months (June-August)
Top 5 substance involved in suicide attempt
- OTC analgesics
- Antidepressants
- Sedative hypnotics
- Antihistamines
- Antipsychotics
Agents associated with serious medical outcome (after 2011)
- Antidepressants
- OTC analgesics
- Antihistamines
- ADHD medications
- ADHD medicaitons: common in 10-15 years population
- Sedative hypnotics (e.g. benzodiazepines): common in older age group (16-25 years)
Conclusion
- Rate of suicide attempt in adolescent and young adults has increase, especially since 2011.
- The substance used in suicide attempt usually involves medications available to the specific age group.
- OTC medications (analgesics and antihistamines) were involved in a third of the suicide attemps.
References
Spiller HA et al. Suicide attempts by self-poisoning in the United States among 10-25 year olds from 2000 to 2018: substances used, temporal changes and demographics. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2019. Oct 6:1-12. doi: 10.1080/15563650.2019.1665182. [Epub ahead of print]