Suicide Rates for Young People

To the Editor. —Recently released 1985 mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics1raise doubts about the conclusion of Paul C. Holinger, MD, MPH, that suicide among 15- to 24-year-olds has leveled off.2The 1985 death rate from suicide reached 12.9 per 100 000, the second consecutive year with an increase. From 1979 to 1983, the death rate from suicide decreased by 4%. However, the rate increased by 5% in 1984 and by 3% in 1985. Furthermore, the trend among 15- to 24-year-olds masks different trends among teenagers 15 to 19 years old and young adults aged 20 to 24 years. Among teenagers, the suicide death rate increased from 1979 to 1981, remained constant from 1981 to 1983, and then increased in 1984 and 1985. Among young adults aged 20 to 24 years, suicide mortality declined from 1979 to 1983, increased by 5% in 1984, and