Suicide: Definitions

Suicidal behavior exists along a continuum from thinking about ending one's life ("suicidal ideation"), to developing a plan, to non-fatal suicidal behavior ("suicide attempt"), to ending one's life ("suicide").

• Suicidal ideation
  "Thoughts of harming or killing oneself" (IOM 2002). The severity of suicidal ideation can be determined by assessing the frequency, intensity, and duration of these thoughts (IOM 2002).

• Suicide attempt
  "A non-fatal, self-inflicted destructive act with explicit or inferred intent to die" (IOM 2002).

• Suicide
  "Fatal self-inflicted destructive act with explicit or inferred intent to die" (IOM 2002).

Why is a Consistent Definition Important?

A consistent definition is needed to monitor the incidence of suicide and examine trends over time. In addition, it helps determine the magnitude of suicide and compare the problem across jurisdictions. A consistent definition also helps researchers measure risk and protective factors for victimization in a uniform manner. This ultimately informs prevention and intervention efforts.

CDC is in the process of developing Suicide Surveillance: Uniform Definitions and Recommended Data Elements. This publication is expected to be available in 2009.

Reference

Goldsmith SK, Pellmar TC, Kleinman AM, Bunney WE, eds. Reducing suicide: a national imperative. Washington DC: National Academy Press; 20027. Available at http://www.nap.edu/books/0309083214/html/.