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A recent study has identified five distinct profiles of suicide risk that can help in identifying the necessary targeted interventions.

About Suicide

Suicide is an increasingly common cause of death. Suicide rates in the United States have risen by more than 35% over the past two decades. In 2021, suicide was the 11th leading cause of death, accounting for over 48,000 deaths, making it twice as prevalent as homicide. It is the second leading cause of death for those aged 10 to 14 and 25 to 34, and the third leading cause for those aged 15 to 24.

5 Profiles of Suicide Risks

According to a recently published study in JAMA Psychiatry, there are five profiles or classes of risks for suicide.

Class 1 - Mental Health and Substance Problems (13.5%)

This group combines mental illness and substance use. Depression, previous suicide attempts, and current mental health treatment are common. Poisoning, including overdoses, is frequent, with over 45% having four or more substances in their system at the time of death. Suicide notes and psychiatric medications are prevalent in this group.

Class 2 - Mental Health Problems (17.6%)

Those in this group have high rates of mental health issues but significantly lower substance use, with more than 80% having no substances detected, where hanging is a more common method of suicide.

Class 3 - Alcohol-Related, Crisis, Relationship Problems (18%)

This group is characterized by a chaotic pattern of crisis, alcohol use, and relationship difficulties. Firearms are often used in suicides within this profile.

Class 4 - Physical Health Problems (31.7%)

The largest group, this class is defined by extensive physical health issues. These people are the least likely to have sought mental health treatment or to have shared their problems. They have the lowest rates of positive drug and alcohol tests and few prior suicide attempts. Firearms are common, and this group includes higher proportions of older adults, Asian Americans, and veterans.

Class 5 - Polysubstance Problems (19.2%)

This group has the highest rates of substance and alcohol use problems without significant mental illness. Firearms are a predominant method of suicide. This group saw a sharp increase in cases from 2010 to 2015.