U.S. suicide rate correlates to economy

ATLANTA, April 14 (UPI) -- U.S. suicides rates go up and down in correlation with economic boom times and recessions, federal health officials say.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study, published in the American Journal of Public Health, found the strongest association between the economy thriving or tanking and suicide among people in prime working ages of 25-64.

For example, the largest suicide increases occurred during the Great Depression from 1929-1933 -- 18 per 100,000 in 1928 to an all-time high of 22.1 per 100,000 in 1932. The U.S. suicide rate fell to the lowest point in 2000 following the longest period of economic expansion of 1991-2001.

"Knowing suicides increased during economic recessions and fell during expansions underscores the need for additional suicide prevention measures when the economy weakens," James Mercy, acting director of CDC's Injury Center's Division of Violence Prevention, said in a statement. "It is an important finding for policy makers and those working to prevent suicide."

Among the elderly, suicide rates declined from 1928 to 2007.

"Economic problems can impact how people feel about themselves and their futures as well as their relationships with family and friends," study lead author Feijun Luo, an economist at the CDC, said. "We know suicide is not caused by any one factor -- it is often a combination of many that lead to suicide. But there are many opportunities for prevention."