Suicide in Illinois, 2005-2010: A reflection of patterns and risks by age groups and opportunities for targeted prevention.

Background: Suicide accounts for two-thirds of all deaths from intentional, or violence-related, injury and is a leading cause of death in the United States. Patterns of suicide have been well described among high risk groups, but few studies have compared the circumstances related to suicides across all age groups. We sought to understand the epidemiology of suicide cases in Illinois and to characterize the risks and patterns for suicide among different age groups. Methods: We utilized suicide data collected in the Illinois Violent Death Reporting System (IVDRS) to assess demographics, method of suicide, circumstances, and mental health status among different age groups. Results: Between 2005 and 2010, 3016 suicides were reported; 692 (23%) were female, and the median age (n=3013) was 45 years (range 10-98 years). The most common method/weapon types were hanging/strangulation (33%), firearm (32%) and poisoning (21%). Hanging was more common (74%) among young people aged 10-19 years, while firearm use was more common among elderly persons age 65 years and over (55%). The percentage of victims within an age group experiencing a crisis within two weeks prior to committing suicide was highest among 10 to 14 year-olds, while the risk factor of having a family member or friend die in past five years was highest among older victims. Conclusions: The final analysis demonstrated age-related trends in suicide in Illinois suggesting prevention programs should tailor services by age. Level of Evidence: Level IV epidemiological study,. (C) 2016 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

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