Suicide reaches 30-year peak in U.S.

The suicide rate in the U.S. has reached its highest level in nearly 30 years, with recent increases in every age group under 75 years old. The total number of suicide deaths has increased 24 percent from 1999 to 2014, according to a National Center for Health Statistics report released April 22.

The annual increase in suicides since 2006 has been about 2 percent per year, doubling the yearly increases for the previous seven years. For the period of the study, the suicide rate rose sharply for women (43 percent) and men (16 percent) between the ages of 45 and 64.  

Total suicide deaths in the U.S. in 2014 climbed to 42,773, an increase from the 29,199 in 1999. Researchers chose that year as a starting point because it was a low point for suicides in the U.S.

Suicide is a growing public health threat that has been linked to declining mortality rates for certain populations. It is now the 10^th leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control. It ranks as the second most common cause of death for 15-24-year-olds.

In February, the Joint Commission released a Sentinel Event Alert emphasizing the role of healthcare organizations in suicide prevention. That report suggested eight steps to help providers identify and treat individuals who may be considering suicide:

• Review personal and family medical history for risk factors
• Screen all patients for suicidal thoughts and/or behavior
• Review screening and assessment before discharging a patient
• Determine proper safety actions from those recommended by the Joint Commission
• Establish collaborative, ongoing treatment processes
• Develop treatment and discharge plans that specifically address suicide
• Educate workers in patient care settings on identifying and responding to suicide ideation
• Document decisions regarding care and referral