Suicide is a preventable public health problem and occurs in all ages according to World health organisation and International association of Suicide prevention. Use of pesticides and other poisonous materials is the most frequent form of suicide. Treatment of mental health problems is another major factor in preventing suicides. Suicide Statistics: According to WHO, 3,000 people commit suicide every day in the world, one person every 30 seconds. For every 1 person that succeeds in their suicide attempt, there are at least 20 persons who fail in their attempts. Global suicide rate was up 60% over the last 50 years. Developed countries are reporting steep rise in mental health problems. Reported suicide is among the 3 leading causes of deaths in the 15-34 age group persons across the world. Outside Asia, 3-4 men died by suicide to each women who killed herself. Compared to men, women consult psychologists more often for their mental health problems. Most suicide victims are found in the above 60 age group. But, old age persons respond better to preventive measures than all other age groups. Suicide rates are low in elderly people especially in developing countries. Compared to developed countries, people of the developing world rarely consult doctors for the treatment of mental health disorders. These people have less awareness on mental health problems compared to physical health problems. Suicide is a health problem influenced by psycho-social, cultural and environmental risk factors. But it is the major preventable public health problem. Social and family help and psychologist intervention will help in preventing most of suicidal deaths. … [Read more...]
Why suicide rates are rising in American youth?
According to CDC (Centre for disease control and prevention), Suicide rates for males and males in America aged 10-24 rose by 8%. This is the largest 1-year rise in 15 years. Suicide rates which are in decline from 1990 onwards are again rising especially in youth. Suicide rates are almost doubled in the 10-14 year old girls. We may know in the coming years whether it is a changing trend or statistical fluctuation. It is not a surprise to see “how to commit suicide?” and “best way to commit suicide” as popular Google search terms. If you check Google trends for suicide, 7 out of top 10 cities are American cities. Most surprising aspect is increase in suicide rates coincided with decrease in SSRI prescription rates. But we should not come to conclusion just basing on 1 year data. In late 2004, Food and Drug Administration called drug manufacturers to put a “Blackbox” warning on the drug labels, cautioning about the possibility of increased suicide risk in minors. Contrary to FDA reports, several research studies conducted in the last year suggested that antidepressants are more likely to reduce suicide risk than increase it. According to a research study published in American journal of Psychiatry, decrease in prescription of anti-depressants by few percentage points, coincided with 14% spike in suicide rates. Along with changes in prescriptions, increased rates of mental health disorders and increase in Alcohol and drug use are other causes for these suicides. Most common methods used to commit suicide: 1. 1990: The most common method was with a firearm for both males and females. 2. 2004: The most common method was by hanging/suffocation among girls. 3. 2004: Boys used forearms to commit suicide as the common method. We may need more comprehensive approach to control the rising suicide rates in American youth. FDA should conduct more research studies to know the effects of antidepressants on suicide rates especially in youth. Please share your opinion. … [Read more...]
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