Suicide Mortality in the United States, 2002-2022

Abstract

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 International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision 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 z 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.