Suicide by Firearm More Common in Those Without Mental Illness Than in the Mentally Ill

Using firearms increases the lethality of suicide attempts, and mental illness and prior suicide attempts are well-established risk factors for suicide. This study addressed the utility of specifically targeting the mentally ill and those with a suicide-attempt history in suicide prevention efforts that restrict firearm access.

Researchers analyzed data from eight integrated health systems and identified almost 2700 individuals dying by suicide in 2000–2013; 55% had a mental or substance use disorder, and 11% had previously attempted suicide. Firearms were used in 43% of suicides by individuals with diagnoses and in 37% of suicides by people with previous attempts, but in 55% of suicides by those without diagnoses and 50% of suicides by thos…