Suicide Mortality in the United States, 2002-2022.

INTRODUCTION

This report provides final 2022 suicide numbers and age-adjusted rates, updating a provisional 2022 suicide report.

METHODS

Data were analyzed using National Vital Statistics System multiple cause-of-death mortality files for 2002 through 2022, with suicide deaths identified using underlying cause-of-death codes U03, X60-X84, and Y87.0. Age-adjusted death rates were calculated using the direct method and the 2000 U.S. standard population. Pairwise comparisons were conducted using the test with an alpha level of 0.05, and trends were assessed using the Joinpoint Regression Program (5.0.2).

KEY FINDINGS

After increasing from 2002 to 2018, the age-adjusted suicide rate declined from 2018 (14.2 deaths per 100,000 standard population) through 2020 (13.5) but then increased 5%, to 14.2 in 2022. Following a period of decline between 2018 and 2020, suicide rates generally increased between 2020 and 2022 for females ages 25 and older. For males ages 10-14 and 15-24, rates decreased between 2020 and 2022, while rates for older age groups generally increased. For females in 2022, firearm-related suicide (2.0) was the leading means of suicide, with rates generally increasing since 2007. For males in 2022, firearm-related suicide (13.5) was the leading means of suicide, with rates increasing since 2006.