The authors found significant positive correlations between the suicide
and homicide rates for 15-24-year-olds and the proportion of 15-24-year-
olds in the U.S. population from 1933 to 1982. Significant negative
correlations were found for most adult age groups (35-64 years). Since
future numbers of adolescents and adults can be estimated on the basis of
current population data for children and preadolescents, the epidemiologic
patterns for suicide and homicide may be predictable for certain age
groups. However, methodologic problems are inherent in using national
mortality and population data, and many years are necessary to evaluate
such epidemiologic propositions.Abstract Teaser