Youth Suicides Remain at High Levels

The U.S. youth suicide rate fell about 5% in 2005, researchers say. But the drop did not erase an 18% hike in 2004. That increase alarmed health officials. It was the first in 18 years. Since 1996, the suicide rate had fallen for children ages 10 to 19. It rose in 2004 to 4.7 suicides per 1,000 children. The new study shows the rate dropped to 4.5 in 2005. The study was in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The Association Press wrote about it September 3.