Physical Health Conditions Among Suicide Decedents: National Violent Death Reporting System, U.S., 2020-2023

Physical health problems are strongly associated with an increased risk of suicidality. A better understanding of the magnitude and characteristics of suicide decedents for whom physical health problems are a major contributor may inform targeted prevention efforts.

This analysis uses National Violent Death Reporting System data on suicide decedents from 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico between 2020 and 2023 (analyzed in 2025). Standardized variables were used to identify cases where the decedent's physical health problem(s) contributed to the death, and a free-text field was used to specify chronic conditions. Differences in characteristics among suicide decedents with and without physical health problems noted as a precipitating circumstance are presented.

Among 143,747 suicide decedents in National Violent Death Reporting System, 28,273 (19.7%) were reported to have physical health problems as a precipitating circumstance for suicide. Nearly one quarter of suicide decedents with physical health problems experienced chronic pain, and almost half had at least 1 chronic condition. Decedents with physical health problems were significantly older (x̄=63.3 vs x̄=42.9 years), more likely to have ever served in the military (26.1% vs 12.3%), less likely to have a mental health diagnosis (43.8% vs 50.5%), and more likely to have disclosed current suicidal thoughts or intent (22.6% vs 20.9%; p<0.001) than those without physical health problems.

Physical health problems are a common precipitating factor for suicide. Healthcare providers, caregivers, and family members may benefit from information or training to recognize suicidality and the recommended next steps.