Age and gender differences in suicide trends, Wisconsin and the United States, 1980-1994

A review of suicide rates in Wisconsin and the United States reveals that despite a constant suicide rate between 1980 and 1994, various trends are occurring among different genders, races and age groups. Five-year averages between 1980-84 and 1990-94 show increasing disparity between men's and women's rates. In Wisconsin, the male death rate in 1990-94 was 4.7 times greater than that of women as compared to 3.7 times greater in 1980-84. Suicide rates for Wisconsin women decreased 20% while rates for US women decreased 16%. Whites have greater suicide rates than blacks, but the rates among blacks are increasing. Suicide rates are also increasing among ages 10-19 and over 75. To understand and facilitate change, we must study and learn from groups whose rates are decreasing. By recognizing differences and changes in suicide rates among various groups, those at high risk may be identified and targeted for education, detection and treatment of mental illness.