Suicide Rates by Age Group - Assignment Example

Respond to the following based on the information in the “Suicide Rates by Age Group” article:

1. What has been the trend in suicide rates over the past few years? 

There is an overall decrease in the suicide rate, in both adolescents and adults. The most remarkable improvement has been in the case of over 65-year-old citizens. The suicide rates have declined from 21.7 per 100,000 persons in 1987 to 15.6 per 100, 1000 persons in 2002.  This is a difference of 6.1 per 100, 000 per person (McKeown, Cuffe & Schulz, 2006).

However, the report has a negative rating for adolescent suicide cases. They have generally increased from 1970 to 2002. The suicide rate had its peak in 1994 at 13. Per 100, 000 but declined to 9.9 per 100,000 persons in 2002(McKeown, Cuffe & Schulz, 2006). This is a significant difference of approximately 3.1 per 100,000 persons. Even though the cases are reported to have generally increased, by comparing the values, it can be concluded that adolescent suicide rates have decreased from 1994 to 2002(McKeown, Cuffe & Schulz, 2006).

1. What part of the U.S. has the highest suicide rate?

From the text, it is very clear that West U.S. has the highest suicide rate. It tops the list with an average rate of 14.7 suicides per 100,000 people (McKeown, Cuffe & Schulz, 2006).

3. List three risk factors for suicide.

• Historical suicide attempts
• Psychological disorders such as bipolar disorder and depression
• Availability of firearms

1. Many researchers worry that suicide rates for adolescents and older adults continue to increase. What does the research data show about these age groups?

The research information provided clearly indicates that there is a general decrease in suicide rates in the US. Adolescent suicidal cases have dropped from 13 per 100, 000 persons in 1994 to 9.9 per 100,000 persons in 2002(McKeown, Cuffe & Schulz, 2006). Moreover, the report gives the best rating for persons 65 and above to have the greatest decline in suicide rates.

1. In the U.S., what demographic has the highest rate of suicide? 

The west of the U.S. has the highest number of suicide overall (McKeown, Cuffe & Schulz, 2006). However suicide resulting from firearms, in the south has the highest percentage of being at risk

1. List four possible reasons for the observed decrease in suicide rates.

• healthy life expectancy has gone up
• drug abuse cases have subsided
• The medical facilities and support have  been upgraded
• The overall economy has improved

1. Recent media reports have suggested that medications may provoke suicidal behavior, particularly in adolescents. As a precautionary step, the FDA issued a public health advisory warning doctors to watch patients closely for worsening depression when medication is first prescribed. What does the data show about the effects of medication and suicide?

Data from clinical research showed that SSRIs have severe effects on adolescents and children (McKeown, Cuffe & Schulz, 2006). This conclusion was arrived at after testing the placebo effects against the actual drug. The usage of drugs to manage depression in minors has been found to increase children's suicide-like behaviors. Thus, it provoked the FDA to instruct doctors to monitor closely their patients (McKeown, Cuffe & Schulz, 2006).

1. Once a patient begins medication for depression, when is that patient at the highest risk for suicidal ideation and behavior? 

According to the text, most patients show or develop suicidal ideations at the onset of using medication to manage depression. Thus, the highest risk for suicidal ideation occurs at start the of the medication period(McKeown, Cuffe & Schulz, 2006)

1. Based on the readings, what is your opinion on the use of medication to help control depression and reduce the risk of suicide?

Using medication to clinically manage depression and suicidal behavior can lead to positive results or improvement in a patient(McKeown, Cuffe & Schulz, 2006). Therefore I find medication important as means of managing suicidal traits. However, medication has side effects. For example, in the initial stages, it can increase suicidal behavior. Therefore, I would advocate for close monitoring of patients by medical practitioners in case they want to adopt medication as a form of treatment.