University of Phoenix Material
Appendix E

Suicide

Respond to the following based on the information in the “Suicide Rates by Age Group” article:

1. What has been the trend in suicide rates over the past few years?

According to McKeown, Cuffe, and Schulz, 2006, suicide rates have started to decline in in the past few years in comparison to previous years.

2. What part of the U.S. has the highest suicide rate?

The part of the U.S. with the highest suicide rate is the western part.

3. List three risk factors for suicide.

Three suicide risk factors are prior suicide attempts, diagnosis of major depression, and having access to firearms with in the home.

4. Many researchers worry that suicide rates for adolescents and older adults continue to increase. What does the research data show about these age groups?

That middle aged adults are less of a risk, while adolescents and older adults seem to be more susceptible to suicide. The suicide rates for adolescents and older adults have also started to decline within past few years.

5. In the U.S., what demographic has the highest rate of suicide?

In the U.S. the highest rate of suicide is in the western part of the United States to where the white older men would be committing suicide. Also the demographic area in the U.S. has an increased portion of 85 and older for age.

6. List four possible reasons for the observed decrease in suicide rates.

Four possible reasons are an increase in healthy life style and expectancy, a decline in substance abuse, better support family and medical, and improved economy.

7. Recent media reports have suggested that medications may provoke suicidal behavior, particularly in adolescents. As a precautionary step, the FDA issued a public health advisory warning doctors to watch patients closely for