Young adults, aged 18- to 29-years-old, are significantly more likely to attempt suicide. But, Utah tops the statistical list with 1 in 15 suicidal thoughts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Every 15 minutes, someone in the United States dies by suicide, which can lead to many more young adults thinking about, planning or attempting suicide, according to the CDC's suicide statistics report released Thursday.

“Suicide is a tragedy for individuals, families, and communities. This report highlights that we have opportunities to intervene before someone dies by suicide. We can identify risks and take action before a suicide attempt takes place,” said Thomas M. Frieden, M.D., director of the CDC.

According to the reports, the annual average prevalence of attempted suicide in the United States for 2008-2009 was 1.0 percent for those aged 18-29 years, and 0.3 percent for adults aged 30 and over.

Suicide is a preventable tragedy, said Pam Hyde, administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. With this new data we will be able to work more effectively to reach people at risk and help keep them safe.

CDC report findings:

  • More than 2.2 million adults (1.0 percent of adults) reported making suicide plans in the past year, ranging from 0.1 percent in Georgia to 2.8 percent in Rhode Island.
  • More than 1 million adults (0.5 percent of adults) reported attempting suicide in the past year, ranging from 0.1 percent in Delaware and Georgia to 1.5 percent in Rhode Island.
  • The prevalence of serious suicidal thoughts, suicide planning, and suicide attempts was significantly higher among young adults aged 18-29 years than it was among adults aged 30 years or older.
  • The prevalence of serious suicidal thoughts was significantly higher among females than it was among males.

Arkansas and Rhode Island had the highest rates for the 18- to 29-year-old group, and Iowa and Alaska had the lowest, CDC officials said.

Serious thoughts of suicide range from about 1 in 50 adults in Georgia -- 2.1 percent -- to 1 in 15 in Utah -- 6.8 percent, officials added.

Overall, an estimated one million adults annually attempted suicide during 2008-2009.

“Most people are uncomfortable talking about suicide, but this is not a problem to shroud in secrecy. We need to work together to raise awareness about suicide and learn more about interventions that work to prevent this public health problem,” Frieden said.

Approximately 2.2 million of the U.S. adult population made suicide plans, and an estimated 8.3 million -- 3.7 percent of adults -- had suicidal thoughts, the report noted, which is the first to present state-level data on suicidal thoughts and behaviors among U.S. adults.

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