Trends in Suicide Among Danish Youth Aged 15 to 19 Years
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By
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Erik Christiansen
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Agnieszka Konieczna
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Elsebeth Nylev Stenager
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Annette Erlangsen
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Merete Nordentoft
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Mette Reilev
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July 15, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Trends in Suicide Among Danish Youth Aged 15 to 19 Years
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Youth Suicide |
| Key Mechanisms | Increased suicide rates among adolescents aged 15-19, influenced by multiple factors including region, sex, age, and method. |
| Target Population | Danish adolescents aged 15 to 19 years |
| Care Setting | Public health monitoring and prevention strategies |
Key Highlights
- 88.4% increase in suicide counts among 15-19 year-olds in 2024 compared to expected levels.
- Suicide rates rose from an expected 4.1 to 7.7 per 100,000 person-years in 2024.
- Significant increase observed among females (91.7%) and males (81.0%) in 2024.
- Largest absolute contribution to the rise was from the Central Denmark Region.
- No single factor explained the increase; it was a broad-based shift.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Monitor suicide trends using national registry data.
Management
- Implement targeted public health protection strategies for high-risk groups.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Continue tracking suicide rates and contributing factors among youth.
Risks
- Increased risk of suicide among adolescents, particularly in specific regions and demographics.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Adolescents aged 15 to 19 years in Denmark.
Focus on prevention strategies and monitoring high-risk locations.
Clinical Best Practices
- Utilize registry data for timely identification of high-risk groups.
- Encourage means-restriction policies to prevent suicides.
- Conduct early post-discharge follow-ups for at-risk individuals.
Related Resources & Content
