Demographic and Clinical Shifts Among Firearm Suicide Decedents After the 2020 Purchasing Surge

OBJECTIVE: The present study seeks to examine changes in demographic characteristics, suicide risk, and treatment-seeking behaviors among those who died by firearm suicide prior to and following the 2020 firearm purchasing surge. METHODS: This study utilized data from the National Violent Death Reporting System from 2003 to 2021. RESULTS: Those who died by firearm suicide post-2020 were more likely to be Black, Asian, and another race compared to those who died pre-2020. Additionally, those who died post-2020 had higher rates of suicidal ideation and lower rates of disclosure of ideation or plans, current mental health/substance abuse treatment, or a lifetime history of mental health/substance abuse treatment. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that demographics, suicide risk, and treatment-seeking behaviors differ among those who died post-2020 compared to pre-2020. Based on these findings, disseminating information on secure firearm storage beyond the healthcare system is needed to reach those most at risk.