The suicide rate for children and young adults between ages 10 to 24 rose 8 percent from 2003 to 2004, marking the largest annual increase in more than 15 years, the federal agency said.
The CDC report, based on the latest numbers available, suggests a surprising reversal in recent trends. Suicide rates had fallen by 28.5 percent since 1990 among young people.
There were 94 suicides in the age group for 10- to 14-year-old girls, in 2004, compared to 56 in 2003, making it the biggest increase of about 76 percent.
Suicide rates among older teen girls, those aged 15-19 rose up 32 percent; rates for males in that age group rose 9 percent. Overall, suicide was the third leading cause of death among young Americans in 2004, accounting for 4,599 deaths, the data said.
The study also noted an alteration in suicide method as death by hanging and suffocation became the most common suicide method in 2004 compared to the use of gun in the 90s.
About 71 percent of all suicides in girls aged 10-14 chose the hanging method. About half of those aged 15-19; and 34 percent between 20-24.
Dr. Keri Lubell, a CDC behavioral scientist who was one of the study authors said, "While we can't say (hanging) is a trend yet, we are confident that's an unusually high number in 2004."
Scientists speculated that the easy accessibility of hanging and suffocation tools can be the reason of the popularity of this method among girls.
Advising the health officials to consider focusing suicide prevention programs on girls ages 10-19 and boys between 15-19, the CDC asked them to focus not only on restricting access to pills, weapons or other lethal means but also other methods.
Experts are speculating that a rise in depression during adolescent years could be one possible reason for the rise in suicide rates among teens. Also, the declining use of antidepressants in those age groups might play a role.
Experts now believe that more education is needed in this field so that it becomes easier for teachers, parents and others to quickly spot depressed teens.
