NCJ Number
125323
Date Published
1989
Length
117 pages
Annotation
A task force organized by the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in 1985 examined the available information regarding the increase in the suicide rate for young people between ages 15 and 24 and developed recommendations regarding methods of prevention.
Abstract
Information came from reviews of scientific literature, national conferences, and an examination of service delivery programs. The Task Force found that possible risk factors for youth suicide include parental loss, family disruption, emotional stress, a history of abuse and neglect, homosexuality, being a friend or family member of a suicide victim, previous suicide attempts, mental illness or drug dependency in a family member, chronic or acute alcohol and drug abuse, and access to firearms. In addition, many young suicide victims did not have a major mental illness, but had a history of conduct disorders or social inhibition coupled with extreme anxiety in certain situations. Findings indicated the need for accurate data, multidisciplinary research on risk factors, evaluations of the effectiveness and cost of prevention measures, and support for the delivery of suicide prevention services. Lists of DHHS programs relating to youth suicide, task force members, and papers commissioned by the task force. For the other volumes, see NCJ-125324-6.