Incidence of Suicidal Ideation and Behavior in the United States, 1994

This study used a random-digit-dialed telephone survey to estimate the 12-month incidence of suicidal ideation, planning & attempts among US adults, 18 years & older. Of 5,238 respondents, 5.6% reported suicidal ideation, 2.7% made a specific suicide plan, & 0.7% made a suicide attempt. Hence, suicidal behaviours are not uncommon & occur along a continuum ranging from ideation to completed suicides. Preventing nonlethal precursor behaviours may prevent deaths. (32 refs + 1 appendix)