Examines the relationship between suicide rates & population changes among adolescents (15-19 yr olds). Adolescent suicide rates were positively correlated with changes in the adolescent population & the proportion of adolescents in the population of the USA. The suicide rate of 65-69 yr olds was not significantly related to shifts in that population. Results suggest that the suicide rates for the adolescent age group can be predicted. (22 refs.) (RM)