In 1996, approximately 31,000 people died from suicide in the United States. Almost all people who kill themselves have a diagnosable mental disorder, most commonly depression or a substance abuse disorder. The highest suicide rates in the United States are found in white men over age 85. The suicide rate in young people has increased dramatically in recent years. In 1996, the most recent year for which statistics are available, suicide was the 3rd leading cause of death among 15 to 24 year olds.
Men are more than four times as likely as women to commit suicide.
Schizophrenia More than 2 million adult Americans are affected by schizophrenia. In men, schizophrenia usually appears in the late teens or early twenties. The disorder usually shows up when women are in their twenties to early thirties. Schizophrenia affects men and women with equal frequency. Most people with schizophrenia suffer chronically throughout their lives.