Suicide was the 10th leading overall cause of death in the United States in 2010 and 1 of the 5 leading causes of death for children, adolescents, and adults aged 10 to 54 years. Rates of suicide attempts and deaths vary by sex, age, and race or ethnicity. Psychiatric disorders and previous suicide attempts increase suicide risk.

Final Recommendation Statement Suicide Risk in Adolescents, Adults and Older Adults: Screening by U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/RecommendationStatementFinal/suicide-risk-in-adolescents-adults-and-older-adults-screening

• Arkansas Suicide Prevention Council
• University of Arkansas Little Rock, MidSouth
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Arkansas Chapter

Most effective treatments to reduce risk for suicide attempt include psychotherapy, dialectical behavior therapy, problem-solving therapy, and developmental group therapy. Other approaches included psychodynamic or interpersonal therapy. Primary care providers can play a continued role in the care of these patients by monitoring them during the process, providing follow-up, and coordinating with other care providers.

In addition to approaching the problem of suicide from an individual level in primary care, approaches are being implemented at community, regional, and national levels. In the health care system, laws requiring coverage parity between mental and physical health disorders will give more persons the ability to access care for psychiatric problems associated with suicide, such as depression. Efforts to coordinate care among programs that address mental health, substance use, and physical health can also increase access to care. 

Final Recommendation Statement Suicide Risk in Adolescents, Adults and Older Adults: Screening by U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/RecommendationStatementFinal/suicide-risk-in-adolescents-adults-and-older-adults-screening

Stategy 1: Utilize internal and external communications resources to heighten awareness about suicde statistics and indicators.

Strategy 2: Improve the utilization of evidence-based and best practice programs and interventions.

Strategy 3: Assist schools statewide with the development and implementation of a policy regarding return to school and services provided after a suicide attempt.

Strategy 4: Improve accuracy and analysis of data on youth suicide attempts and deaths.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website:  https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ 

Arkansas Lifeline Call Center: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)