Suicide Behavior in America

A National study was done on suicidal thoughts and behaviors in the United States of America. It found that 8.3 million adults(1) had serious thoughts of suicide in the past year. Of 8.3 million only 2.3 million of these adults had made a suicide plan and only 1.1 million of these adults actually attempted suicide.

This study also found this risk of thoughts and attempts is significantly different among age groups. Young adults(2) were far more likely to have considered suicide in the past year than those ages 26-49. These young adults were nearly three times more likely than those people 50 or older.

Another factor comes into play when considering risk of suicide and adults is substance disorders. People experiencing substance disorders were more than three times(3) more likely to have seriously considered suicide than those non-users. These people were also a shocking 7 times more likely to have attempted suicide.


1. Adults are 18 and older and residents of the United States. 8.3 million or 3.7 percent.
2. Young adults- 18-26. This age comparison is a ratio of 6.7% to 3.9%. 50 or older: 2.3%
3. Three times: 11% to 3%. Seven times: 2% to .3%.


"National Study Reveals Statistics on Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors SAMHSA NEWS." Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Website. Version 17. SAMHSA , 1 Nov. 2009. Web. 10 Dec. 2009.