Race/Ethnicity, Substance Abuse, and Mental Illness Among Suicide Victims in 13 US States: 2004 Data From the National Violent Death Reporting System

The prevalence of substance abuse & mental illness was calculated among suicide victims of different racial/ethnicity groups. Within 13 participating states, for data year 2004, 6865 suicide incidents in which race/ethnicity was known were identified. At the time of the suicide event, non-Hispanic blacks had lower blood alcohol contents than other groups. Non-Hispanic whites had less cocaine but more antidepressants & opiates. Hispanics were less likely to have been diagnosed with a mental illness or to have received treatment, although family reports of depression were comparable to those for other groups. Data suggest suicide prevention must also address unique personal, family, & social characteristics of different racial/ethnic groups. (22 refs.)