Preteen suicide rates increased 8.2% annually from 2008-’22, an upward trend that followed a decrease from 2001-’07, according to a recent study by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
The study also showed a disproportionate hike in the suicide rate for girls compared to boys, and increases among minority subgroups.
NIMH researchers examined data from the Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System on suicide deaths of youths ages 8-12 from Jan. 1, 2001, to Dec. 31, 2022.
During the study period, 2,241 preteens died by suicide. About 32% were female. In addition, 68.3% were white, 24.5% Black, 18.8% Hispanic and 7.2% American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian or Pacific Islander.
“I think it is hard to pinpoint exactly what might be causing this growing trend,” said Janet Lee, M.D., FAAP, a member of the AAP Council on Adolescents and Young Adults Executive Committee who was not involved with the study. “A complex interplay of growing social stressors, constant access to a barrage of information, increasing access to firearms and increasing disparities in socioeconomic factors may be contributing.”
According to NIMH research, firearms were the most rapidly increasing suicide method for preteens. Hanging and suffocation are the most common.
In the first period of NIMH study, 2001-’07, the suicide rate among preteen girls was 1.25 per 1 million people. That rose to 4.15 per 1 million in 2008-’22 (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 3.32 ). By comparison, the rate among preteen boys rose from 5.33 per 1 million to 7.19 per 1 million (IRR, 1.35).
The data also show Black preteens have the highest overall suicide rate, 8.50 per 1 million, compared to white, Hispanic and American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian or Pacific Islander preteens. Hispanic preteens saw the greatest percent increase in suicide rate among ethnic groups.
The study highlights “the need to better understand, identify, and help preteens who may be at risk for suicide,” according to a news release from the National Institutes of Health.
Dr. Lee pointed to the AAP Blueprint for Youth Suicide Prevention as an essential resource for pediatricians.
“Implementing universal suicide risk screening and partnering with community members to support adolescents is of utmost importance,” she said.
If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. TTY users can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
