Study: Increased Number of Suicides in Men, Women

Drug-related suicides signal ER crisis

By R. Leigh Coleman, Christian Post Reporter Sunday, June 19, 2011

A new national study shows a 55 percent jump in emergency room visits for drug-related suicides in men ages 21 to 34, and a nearly 50 percent increase in women ages 50 and older.

Health officials said the misuse of prescription drugs is clearly helping to fuel the problem, which has created an ongoing public health crisis in emergency rooms across the country.

The new study released Friday by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows that from 2005 to 2009, emergency room visits involving certain pharmaceuticals increased substantially.

Suicides in men, ages 21 to 34, climbed from 19,024 visits in 2005 to 29,407 visits in 2009. In 2009, there were a total of 77,971 emergency department visits for drug-related suicide attempts among males of all ages, according to the report.

The number of suicides in women rose dramatically from 11,235 visits in 2005 to 16,757 in 2009. The report reveals an increase in the overall population growth of women aged 50 and older.

“Emergency rooms should not be the frontline in our efforts to intervene,” said Pamela S. Hyde, administrator for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

“Friends, family, and all members of the community must do everything possible to help identify people who may be in crisis and do everything possible to reach out and get them needed help.”

Among males aged 21 to 34, emergency department visits for suicide attempts involving antidepressants increased by 155 percent and anti-anxiety and insomnia medications increased by 93 percent, the report said.

Emergency department visits for suicide attempts among males aged 35 to 49 involving narcotic pain relievers almost doubled from 2005 to 2009, while the numbers almost tripled among men aged 50 and older.

Similarly, ER visits for suicide attempts among females involving pain relievers rose more than 30 percent from 36,563 in 2005 to 47,838 in 2009.

Health officials said the rise in the number of cases involving the misuse of two narcotic pain relievers, hydrocodone and oxycodone, was particularly steep.

The report also showed there was a 67 percent increase in the number of cases involving hydrocodone (from 4,613 in 2005 to 7,715 in 2009), and a 210 percent increase in the number of these cases involving oxycodone (from 1,895 in 2005 to 5,875 in 2009).

“The steep rise in abuse of narcotic pain relievers is extremely dangerous and we are now seeing the result of this public health crisis in our emergency rooms,” Hyde said.

Health officials sent out a warning that a greater awareness about the signs and risk factors for suicide, including abuse of alcohol and drugs, can help people take action and save lives.

Common warning signs of someone who may be at increased risk for suicide can include:
1. Talking about wanting to die
2. Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
3. Acting anxiously, agitated or recklessly
4. Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
5. Withdrawing or feeling isolated
6. Displaying mood swings

On the Web: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/