Suicide Scope of Problem References Research Questions Search Strategy Cochrane Collaboration Evidence Diagram Suicide Scope of the Problem Suicide is the third leading cause of death for teens and young adults in the US and Canada. The rate in the US is now approximately 13 per 100,000 15-24 year olds. Since 1970, most of the increase in youth suicide has been due to firearm associated suicide.
Firearms are the most common method of suicide for both male and female youth.
The suicide rate for males is two to three fold greater than for females. Suicide has also increased among 10-14 year olds. Suicide attempts by adolescents are very frequent. It is estimated that fewer than 1 in 50 attempts are successful. Prevention of youth suicide In 1980, the US Public Health Service made suicide prevention one of the key goals to improve health by 1990.