Top 5 Takeaways

1. Overall Decline: From 2019 to 2020, the overall suicide rate in the United States declined by 3%, with significant reductions among both females (8%) and males (2%).
2. Demographic Disparities: Despite the overall decline, suicide rates increased among certain demographics, including persons aged 25–34 years, Hispanic males, and non-Hispanic multiracial females.
3. Geographic Variations: Significant declines in suicide rates were observed in seven states and large metropolitan areas, while rates remained stable in other regions.
4. Mechanisms of Injury: Rates of suicide by fall, poisoning, and suffocation declined significantly, while the rate of suicide by firearm remained unchanged.
5. Persistent Health Disparities: Suicide rates were highest among non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native individuals and varied significantly by age and urbanization level, highlighting ongoing health disparities.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Daniel C. Ehlman, dehlman@cdc.gov

Suggested Citation

Ehlman DC, Yard E, Stone DM, Jones CM, Mack KA. Changes in Suicide Rates — United States, 2019 and 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:306–312. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7108a5

Summary

This report analyzes changes in suicide rates in the United States from 2019 to 2020. The overall suicide rate declined by 3%, with significant reductions among females (8%) and males (2%). Despite these declines, demographic disparities persist, with increases in suicide rates among persons aged 25–34 years, Hispanic males, and non-Hispanic multiracial females. The report emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention to achieve further declines and meet the national goal of reducing the suicide rate by 20% by 2025.

Methods

Data from the 2019–2020 National Vital Statistics System multiple cause-of-death mortality files were analyzed. Suicide deaths were identified using ICD-10 codes. Age-adjusted death rates were calculated using the direct method and the 2000 U.S. standard population. Changes in suicide rates were examined by race/ethnicity, age, mechanism of injury, county urbanization level, sex, and state. Statistical significance was assessed using z-tests and nonoverlapping confidence intervals.

Discussion

The decline in suicide rates from 2019 to 2020 is encouraging, especially given the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the increase in rates among certain demographics underscores the need for targeted prevention efforts. The report highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention, including data-driven decision-making and the implementation of evidence-based strategies to address the range of factors associated with suicide.

Conclusion

While the overall decline in suicide rates is a positive development, persistent health disparities and increases among certain demographics highlight the need for continued and enhanced prevention efforts. A comprehensive approach, involving multiple community partners and evidence-based strategies, is essential to achieving further declines in suicide rates and meeting the national goal of a 20% reduction by 2025.

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