2001-2007 to 2008-2022 Saw Increase in Preteen Suicides
By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter
THURSDAY, Aug. 1, 2024 -- Between 2001-2007 and 2008-2022, there was a significant increase in the suicide rate among U.S. preteens, according to a research letter published online July 30 in JAMA Network Open.
Donna A. Ruch, Ph.D., from the Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, and colleagues examined characteristics and trends in suicide rates of U.S. preteens using national mortality data from 2001 to 2020 from the Web-based Statistics Query and Reporting System where suicide was listed as the underlying cause of death.
The researchers found that from 2001 to 2022, 2,241 preteens died by suicide. Following a downward trend until 2007, there was a significant increase in suicide rates by 8.2 percent annually from 2008 to 2022, corresponding to a significant increase in overall rates from 2001-2007 to 2008-2022 (3.34 to 5.71 per 1 million; incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.71). All subgroups had significant increases, with the greatest increases seen for girls (IRR, 3.32); American Indian or Alaska Native and Asian or Pacific Islander preteens and Hispanic preteens (IRRs, 1.99 and 2.06, respectively); and firearm suicides (IRR, 2.29).
"This study provides a foundation for future research to explore unique factors associated with preteen suicide," the authors write. "The findings also support the need for culturally informed and developmentally appropriate prevention efforts that emphasize robust risk screening and lethal means restriction."
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted August 2024
Read this next
Likelihood of Psych Disorders Lower With Weight-Loss Surgery Versus GLP-1 RAs
FRIDAY, June 20, 2025 -- People undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) are less likely to develop psychiatric disorders than those treated with glucagon-like peptide-1...
Racial, Ethnic Differences Seen in Teens' Use of Mental Health Services
FRIDAY, June 20, 2025 -- There are substantial racial and ethnic differences in U.S. adolescents’ use of mental health services, according to a study published online June...
Electroconvulsive Therapy Reduces Mortality in People With Depression
WEDNESDAY, June 18, 2025 -- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) shows a significant protective effect against suicide and overall mortality in people with depression, according to a...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.