Global Suicide Rate Among Youngsters Increasing Significantly Volume 3 - Issue 5

Bahman Zohuri¹* and Siamak Zadeh²

• ¹Electrical Engineering and Computer Department, University of New Mexico, New Mexico, USA
• ²Golden Gate University, Ageno School of Business, San Francisco, USA

Received: March 05, 2020;   Published: March 17, 2020

Corresponding author: Bahman Zohuri, Electrical Engineering and Computer Department, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

DOI: 10.32474/OJNBD.2020.03.000175

Abstract PDF

To view the Full Article   Peer-reviewed Article PDF

Abstract

Suicide is a key health concern and a major cause of death among persons aged 10 – 24 years in the United States. In 2017, suicide was the second leading cause of death among this group and from 2007 to 2018, the suicide rate increased 56% among those aged 14 – 19 years. Overall, among teenagers 12 – 19 years, suicide is the third leading single cause of death, after accidents (unintentional injuries) and homicides. According to the latest World Health Organization (WHO), suicidal behavior is also a major health concern in many countries, developed and developing alike. Nearly 800,000 are estimated to die annually from suicide worldwide. Many more, particularly the young and the middle-aged individuals, attempt suicide. In this paper, it is suggested that modern technology plays a significant role in the increase in the rate of suicide among the youths. It is suggested that increasing engagement with social media, driven by new generation of electronic gadgets and smart phones, is an important factor behind the increase in the rate of suicides. Heavy usage of smart phones, such as texting, twitting, or having some other forms of engagement through social media, is a contributing factor.

Keywords: Depression; Suicide Attempt and Suicide Rate; Youngsters; Suicide Risk Management; Augmentation of Artificial Intelligence in Depression Treatment

Abstract| Introduction| Who is at Risk for Suicide and Why?| What are the Warning Signs for Suicide?| The Impact of Technology on Mental Health| Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Driving Depression Treatment| Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (TACS)| Transcranial Random Noise Stimulation (TRNS)| Feasibility of Artificial Intelligence in Suicide Risk Prediction and Management| Concluding Remarks| References|