In 2005, there were 32,637 reported suicide deaths in the United States, according to new data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Nationally, the 2005 rate is 11.0, which is comparable to that of the previous year. It is important to note that the suicide rate has fluctuated since 2000, ranging from a low of 10.4 suicides per 100,000 population in 2000 to a high of 11.1 in 2004, with a mean rate of 10.8 (see chart below). Further analysis reveals a slight increase in female suicide, a slight decrease in elderly suicide and a continuing trend: a suicide rate higher in the western states than in any other part of the country.
Based on the 2005 data, suicide remains the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. It remains the third leading cause among our nation's youth, the fourth leading cause of death among adults 18-65, and individuals aged 65 and older account for 16 percent of all suicides. Currently, firearm death remains the most common method of suicide, accounting for 52 percent of all suicides.
Every 16 minutes someone dies by suicide. Though suicide attempts are not reported, it is estimated that close to one million people make a suicide attempt each year.
Research has shown that 90 percent of people who die by suicide have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder at the time of their death, most often unrecognized or untreated depression.
2000-2005, United States, Suicide Deaths and Rates per 100,000 Population
Year Number of Suicides Population Rate
2000 29,350 281,421,906 10.4
2001 30,622 285,226,284 10.7
2002 31,655 288,125,973 11.0
2003 31,484 290,796,023 10.8
2004 32,439 293,638,158 11.1
2005 32,637 296,507,061 11.0
Total 188,187 1,735,715,405 10.8
Figures from the National Center for Health Statistics.
