ADHD and the Increasing Suicide Rate Among Black Youth

Historically, suicide rates have been higher among whites than any other racial group. Recent studies confirm this but show the growing rate among Black youth, which now surpasses that of their white counterparts. Despite making up 15% of the population, Black youth make up 37% of youth suicides. The highest demographic is young Black males. The assumption would be that depression significantly contributes to the increase in suicides. However, new studies indicate that much of the increase correlates to ADHD and untreated learning disabilities. While recent trends show the growing number of suicides in Black youth and adolescents, even more alarming is the rate of suicide among very young Black children. In this episode, Dr. Napoleon Higgins shares insights about how ADHD may be contributing to the increased number of suicides in Black youth and identifies why this is happening now. He also gives recommendations for educators and healthcare providers about cultural sensitivity and offers expert advice for parents of children with ADHD on diagnosing, treatment, and suicide prevention. Dr. Napoleon Higgins is a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist in Houston, Texas.  He is the owner of Bay Pointe Behavioral Health Services and South East Houston Research Group. Dr. Higgins received his MD from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. He completed his residency in Adult Psychiatry and his fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston. He is the President of the Black Psychiatrists of Greater Houston, Past President of the Caucus of Black Psychiatrists of the American Psychiatric Association, and Past President of the Black Psychiatrists of America, Inc. Dr. Higgins is co-author of How Amari Learned to Love School Again: A Story about ADHD, Mind Matters: A Resource Guide to Psychiatry for Black Communities and author of Transition 2 Practice: 21 Things Every Doctor Must Know In Contract Negotiations and the Job Search.  He also specializes in nutrition and health to improve patients’ lives mentally and physically.  He emphasizes that good mental and physical health are key in the practice of psychiatry and medicine. Dr. Higgins has worked with and founded many programs that help direct inner-city young men and women to aspire to go to college and finish their educational goals. He has worked with countless community mentoring programs and has a special interest in trauma, racism, and inner-city issues and how they affect minority and disadvantaged children and communities.