Researchers from the University of South Carolina reported Thursday that suicide rates in the United States have dropped significantly in recent years.
Analyzing statistics gathered by the National Center for Health Statistics and the Census Bureau, researchers found that there was a 30% decline in suicides by Americans aged 15 to 24 between 1994 and 2003. Meanwhile, rates in older adults fell 33% from 1987 to 2003.
These findings contradict popular conceptions of rising suicide rates and warnings by the Food and Drug Administration of increased suicidal ideation and attempts in children and adolescents receiving certain antidepressants.
Although reasons for the drop are not immediately clear, researchers speculate that the advent of new antidepressants, improved trauma care or the economic upturn and subsequently lower unemployment of the 1990's may help account for the trend.
Read more: Study confirms U.S. suicide rates dropping
ABSTRACT: US Suicide Rates by Age Group, 1970–2002: An Examination of Recent Trends
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