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 

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

3.            List three risk factors for suicide.

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

Answer: For adolescents the rate is stable in percents but it
is rising slightly for older adults.

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

Answer: Elderly Caucasians are the sector of the population
with the highest suicide rate.

1. List four possible reasons for the observed
   decrease in suicide rates.
2. 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
3. Once a patient begins medication for depression, when
   is that patient at the highest risk for suicidal ideation and
   behavior?
4. Based on the readings, what is your opinion on
   the use of medication to help control depression and reduce the risk of
   suicide?