Psy270

University of Phoenix Material

Appendix E

Suicide

Respond to the following based on the information in the “Suicide Rates by Age Group” article:

1. What has been the trend in suicide rates over the past few years? In the past few years, suicide has been the 10th leading cause for deaths. In 2002, suicides with ages 15-24 year olds hit a rate of 9.9, 25-44 years old hit the rate of 14, 45-64 years old hit 14.9, and older than 65 they reached a rate of 15.6.

2. What part of the U.S. has the highest suicide rate?

3. List three risk factors for suicide. Lower unemployment rates,

4. Many researchers worry that suicide rates for adolescents and older adults continue to increase. What does the research data show about these age groups?

5. In the U.S., what demographic has the highest rate of suicide?

6. List four possible reasons for the observed decrease in suicide rates.

7. Recent media reports have suggested that medications may provoke suicidal behavior, particularly in adolescents. As a precautionary step, the FDA issued a public health advisory warning doctors to watch patients closely for worsening depression when medication is first prescribed. What does the data show about the effects of medication and suicide?

8. Once a patient begins medication for depression, when is that patient at the highest risk for suicidal ideation and behavior?

9. Based on the readings, what is your opinion on the use of medication to help control depression and reduce the risk of suicide? I believe that it all depends on the individual that is taking the drug. Sometimes it could worsen the side effects of depression or thoughts of suicide if the individual is not properly diagnosed.