2025/04/10 by Bhavna Singichetti, Jing Wang, Robin Lee +2
Psychology · #Suicide and Self-Harm Studies
paper · pdf · doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7412a4
openalex publication_date 2025/04/10 · openalex created_date 2025/04/11 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States with approximately 49,000 deaths in 2023 (1), and many more persons seriously think about suicide (2).Timely data on suicidal thoughts and knowing someone who died by suicide, which can increase one's risk for suicide (3), can guide public health planning and interventions. Investigation and OutcomesThe National Center for Health Statistics Rapid Surveys System (RSS) is an online survey based on two probabilitybased panels.Round 2 RSS was fielded in October-November 2023, consists of responses from 7,046 adults, and includes survey weights to approximate nationally representative estimates for U.S. adults* (4).Prevalences of a "Yes" response to the following questions were measured overall and by eight demographic characteristics: "At any time in the past 12 months, did you seriously think about trying to kill yourself?"and "Do you personally know anyone who has died by suicide?" ProcSurvey procedures (SAS version 9.4; SAS Institute), using the Taylor series linearization method for estimating variances, were used to calculate weighted numbers, percentages, and associated 95% CIs (4).These activities were reviewed by CDC, deemed not research, and conducted consistent with applicable federal law and CDC policy. Overall, 5.3% of U.S. adults reported suicidal thoughts during the past 12 months (Table ).The prevalence of suicidal thoughts was higher among persons aged 18-24 and 25-44 years and persons with lower household income.Results also varied by sexual orientation, with the highest percentage among bisexual persons.Overall, 42.4% of adults reported knowing someone who died by suicide.Percentages were higher among persons aged 45 years, non-Hispanic White persons, veterans, persons with at least some college education, and nonmetropolitan residents.Among those who reported suicidal thoughts, more than one half (57.9%) reported knowing someone who died by suicide, compared with 41.6% among those who did not report suicidal thoughts.* Cumulative response rates of the two panels were 3.8% and 4.0%, and Round 2 RSS overall completion rate was 37.6%.