Suicide rates rise sharply among middle-aged US adults

Suicide rates among middle-aged Americans are on the rise, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC) said. In the past decade, the rate of suicide among the US adults aged 35 to 64 increased 28 percent, from 13.7 suicides per 100,000 people in 1999 to 17.6 per 100,000 in 2010. The greatest increases in suicide rates were among people aged 50 to 59 years. The report said suicide deaths have surpassed deaths from motor vehicle crashes in recent years in the United States. In 2010 there were 33,687 deaths from motor vehicle crashes and 38,364 suicides, Xinhua reported. "Suicide is a tragedy that is far too common," said CDC Director Tom Frieden in a statement. "The stories we hear of those who are impacted by suicide are very difficult. This report highlights the need to expand our knowledge of risk factors so we can build on prevention programs that prevent suicide." According to the CDC report, firearm and hanging/suffocation were the most common suicide mechanisms for middle-aged men. Poisoning and firearm were the most common mechanisms for middle- aged women. The suicide rates for those aged 10 to 34 and those aged 65 years and older did not change significantly during this period, the report said.