The Silent Crisis: Rising Trends in Adolescent Suicide in Brazil

Purpose This study aims to analyze trends in youth suicide rates and the odds of suicide comparing different age groups from 2000 to 2022 in Brazil. Methods We conducted a temporal trend study on suicide mortality in Brazil from 2000 to 2022, using data from the Mortality Information System and population projections from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). We calculated mortality rates for the following age groups: adolescents (10–19 years), young adults (20–29 years), youth (10–29 years), adults including youth (20 years and older), and adults excluding youth (30 years and older). We applied Joinpoint regression to identify changes in trends and calculated the Mortality Odds Ratio (MOR) to compare suicide mortality between youth and adults. Results Between 2000 and 2022, suicide mortality significantly increased among adolescents, with a higher average annual percentage change compared to young adults. The Mortality Odds Ratio (MOR) for youth was 5.05 in 2000, rising to 8.56 in 2022. For adolescents, the MOR increased from 3.27 to 8.86 over the same period, indicating that in 2022, the suicide risk was 21% higher among adolescents than young adults, highlighting a significant reversal in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Discussion These findings underscore the urgent need for national mental health policies targeted at adolescents, particularly those in high vulnerability. The results of this study provide an evidence base for policymakers and public health officials to develop and implement interventions aimed at curbing the rising trend of youth suicide in Brazil.