Leo Sher, M.D.

A U.S. National Vital Statistics System report, “Suicide mortality in the United States, 2001-2021” was published in April 2023 (1). This report updates previous data by presenting final suicide rates from 2001 through 2021 by sex and age as well as rates by race and Hispanic origin for 2020 and 2021. Data were analyzed using National Vital Statistics System multiple cause-of-death mortality files for 2001 through 2021.

The report suggests that the total age-adjusted suicide rate increased from 10.7 deaths per 100,000 standard population in 2001 to a recent peak of 14.2 in 2018, and then declined to 13.5 in 2020. In 2021, the rate increased 4% to 14.1, the largest 1-year increase during the period.

The suicide rate for males did not change significantly from 2001 (18.2) through 2006 (18.1), and then increased to 22.8 in 2018. Rates declined in 2019 (22.4) and 2020 (22.0) but then increased 4% in 2021 (22.8). The suicide rate for females increased from 2001 (4.1) through 2015 (6.0) and then did not change significantly through 2018 (6.2). Following a 2-year decline to 5.5 in 2020, the rate increased 4% in 2021 (5.7). From 2001 through 2021, female suicide rates were consistently highest in those aged 45–64 and lowest in those aged 10–14. Rates for the younger age groups, 10–14 and 15–24, have generally increased over the period for both males and females. The suicide rate for males was three to four and one-half times the rate for females during the 2001–2021 period.

Reference

1. Garnett MF, Curtin SC. Suicide Mortality in the United States, 2001-2021. NCHS Data Brief. 2023 Apr;(464):1-8.