Most young people who die by suicide in the US do not have previous mental health diagnoses, study suggests

Suicide is a significant cause of death among young people in the United States. New research suggests that a majority of young individuals who died by suicide did not have a documented mental health diagnosis. About 3 out of 5 young people who died by suicide between January 2010 and December 2021 had no previously diagnosed mental health condition. This indicates a potential issue with missed or undiagnosed mental health problems in young individuals. The study included data on more than 40,000 suicides among individuals aged 10 to 24. The researchers found that only 40.4% of the young people who died had a documented mental health diagnosis. The study recommends increasing access to mental health screening, diagnosis, and treatment for all youth. The odds of having a documented mental health diagnosis varied across different racial and ethnic groups and among individuals who used firearms. Counseling is recommended to encourage safe firearm storage, and secure storage laws are suggested to reduce firearm suicide rates. The study also found that most suicides occurred at home, with a significant number of deaths caused by firearms. Relationship problems were identified as common precipitating circumstances for suicide. Another study found a significant increase in the suicide rate among US preteens between 2008 and 2022, with disparities among different racial groups. The findings highlight the need for improved access to mental health care for young people, particularly for Black and brown individuals who may face discrimination and trauma.