Recent studies published in JAMA Network Open reveal a disturbing trend in youth suicide rates and mental health diagnoses. Researchers from Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that suicide rates among U.S. preteens aged 8 to 12 have significantly increased by 8.2% annually from 2008 to 2022. This rise is particularly pronounced among female preteens and minority groups, with Black preteens experiencing the highest overall suicide rates.
Compounding this issue, a separate study by Emory University researchers discovered that less than half of youths aged 10 to 24 who died by suicide had a documented mental health diagnosis. Minority youth were especially likely to lack such diagnoses, highlighting racial and ethnic disparities in mental health care access and recognition.
Experts emphasize the critical need for universal suicide risk screening starting at earlier ages and improved detection of mental health issues. Dr. Sofia Chaudhary, lead author of the second study, stressed the importance of community-level interventions and culturally sensitive services to address these disparities.
The studies’ findings underscore the urgency for comprehensive approaches to youth mental health, including early intervention, improved healthcare screening, and community-based programs. As suicide remains a leading cause of death among young people, researchers and healthcare professionals alike call for increased efforts to identify at-risk youth and provide timely, accessible mental health support across diverse populations.
See “As Preteen Suicides Increased, Most Youths Went Undiagnosed for Mental Health Issues” (July 30, 2024)
