Violent deaths among the young: recent trends in suicide, homicide, and accidents

Abstract

Violent deaths (suicide, homicide and accidents) are the leading cause of death in people aged 1-39 in the US. All 3 types of violent death may represent suicidal tendencies. Among early (10-14 yr), middle (15-19) and late (20-24) adolescents, suicide and homicide rates increased with age and have doubled from 1961-1975. Accident rates increased with age but have changed little over the 15 yr period. Suicide, homicide and accidents increased dramatically between the 10-14 yr old age group and the 15-19 yr old age group; suicide and homicide rates were remarkably parallel over time; and suicide rates among young white people were higher and increased more than those among young nonwhite people.