Suicide Among the Young: an Epidemiological Analysis of 547 Consecutive Victims in North Carolina

The authors report the findings of a 6-year study of 547 consecutive suicide victims, age 22 or less in North Carolina. Analysis was done on 5 levels: 1) age, race & sex-specific trends; 2) sociocultural characteristics of the victims; 3) major precipitants of the suicidal act; 4) concomitant withdrawl behaviours; & 5) communication or warnings of suicidal intent. The implications of the findings for the theoretical understanding & efficacy of intervention strategies were discussed.