METHODS: Since 2008, questions have assessed suicidal behaviors among adults aged ≥18 years in NSDUH’s adult mental health and depression modules. Changes in suicidal behaviors from 2008 to 2014 were examined using t-tests. As a check on data quality and reliability, internal consistency was assessed by comparing responses between survey modules.
RESULTS: During 2008–2014, prevalence of suicidal ideation, making suicide plans, and suicide attempts was highest among persons aged 18–25 years. Prevalence increased significantly in that age group between 2008 and 2014 for suicidal ideation (from 6.8% to 7.5%, p<0.05) and suicide plans (from 2.0% to 2.3%, p<0.05). Each year, ≥94%, ≥98%, and ≥99% of responses to questions about experiencing suicidal ideation, making suicide plans, and making suicide attempts, respectively, were consistent between survey modules.
CONCLUSIONS: Since nonfatal suicidal behaviors were first measured among all adult NSDUH respondents in 2008, the prevalence has been highest and has increased among persons aged 18–25 years. Individuals were consistent in their responses to suicidal behavior questions in the different survey modules. Responses to the most objective questions, regarding having made a suicide attempt in the past year, were most highly consistent. Given its high-quality, reliable data, NSDUH is a valuable source of information about nonfatal suicidal behaviors among adults in the U.S.