Suicide
Articles tagged with Suicide
$12 million grant will advance Henry Ford Health's suicide prevention model across the US
The $12 million grant from the Four Pines Fund will help Henry Ford Health expand its proven Zero Suicide Model to Kaiser Permanente Colorado and HealthPartners in Minnesota. The model has been shown to reduce patient suicides by 25% or more.
Lithium may help curb impulsive decisions tied to suicide risk, study finds
Ketamine infusions and rapid reduction of suicidal and depressive symptoms in major depressive episode
A systematic review and meta-analysis found single and repeated intravenous ketamine infusions to be efficacious in reducing suicidal and depressive symptoms in acute major depressive episodes. Longer-term outcomes remain unclear.
Workforce and staffing at 988 suicide & crisis lifeline centers
The study found that most 988 Lifeline centers struggle to find resources for full-time staffing, posing risks to staff well-being and service quality. Critical financing and operational strategies will be needed to support recruitment and retention to sustain high-quality 988 Lifeline services.
Dads are dying after their kids are born, and no one is tracking it
A new Northwestern University study found that 60% of paternal deaths in Georgia between 2017 and 2022 were preventable, resulting from homicide, accidental injury, suicide, or overdose. The study also revealed that fatherhood appears to be protective for men, with lower death rates among those who are fathers.
The link between reduced inpatient care and suicide
A nationwide ecological study found a statistical correlation between fewer psychiatric beds and higher suicide rates in Sweden. The study suggests that investing in outpatient care may not be enough to prevent suicides, highlighting the need for further research into healthcare resource allocation.
Study reveals century-long cycles in U.S. suicide rates and a long-term crisis among youth
Researchers found striking, decades-long cycles in US suicide rates, influenced by broad social forces. Suicide risk has been rising steadily for over half a century among young people, affecting each new generation earlier in life.
Researchers spot shifts in firearm suicide risk and seeking treatment after 2020 purchasing surge
Researchers found higher rates of suicidal ideation among individuals who died by firearm suicide after 2020, but lower engagement in mental health treatment. Demographic shifts also occurred, with more young, male, and minority decedents, highlighting gaps in suicide prevention strategies.
Rural adolescents are twice as likely to die by suicide compared to their urban peers
Researchers developed Plan & Protect, a technology-guided safety planning program for rural youth with suicidality seeking care in emergency departments. The program aims to enhance accessibility and usability of safety planning in resource-limited settings, supporting more effective crisis care for adolescents in rural communities.
Suicide mortality among adolescents and young adults after launch of a suicide and crisis lifeline
The study found significant reductions in suicide mortality among adolescents and young adults after the US launched its 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Larger reductions were observed in states with the highest adoption of the 988 Lifeline services.
Firearm storage and carrying practices and suicidal behaviors in US Army service members
A retrospective cross-sectional study found significant associations between unsecured firearm storage and heightened suicide risk in US Army service members. Carrying a weapon other than a firearm also linked to elevated suicide risk, suggesting that any type of weapon carrying behavior may indicate increased vulnerability.
Suicide prevention measures can help AI better protect young users
A recent survey found that 72% of youth aged 13-17 use AI companions and 52% report regular use, highlighting the need for robust safeguards. Well-designed chatbots can normalize help-seeking, reduce isolation, and offer coping strategies, but poorly designed ones can cause harm.
Widely used food preservative implicated in recent uptick in UK suicide deaths
A comprehensive analysis of UK suicide data from 2019-2024 found a significant rise in cases involving sodium nitrite poisoning, predominantly affecting Gen Z and Millennials. The study highlights the need for urgent action to restrict access to this preservative and provide antidotes to mitigate its effects.
Loneliness is a critical step on the road to suicide: Study
A Vanderbilt University study analyzed 633,000 survey participants and found that loneliness played a critical role in suicidal ideation. Reducing loneliness could
Decade of war linked to widespread PTSD and suicidal behavior in Ukrainian children
A comprehensive scoping review of 37 studies found that Ukrainian children exposed to a decade of war face high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidality, and self-harm. Children who had been forcibly displaced, exposed to violence, or separated from parents faced higher risks of mental health problems.
Childhood mortality by parental cause of death
A statewide cohort study found childhood mortality is significantly higher among children bereaved by parental drug overdose, homicide, and suicide. Parental homicide was associated with the highest risk of mortality in children, highlighting the need for research into potential explanations such as family restructuring and mental health.
Teens and young adults with ADHD and substance use disorder face treatment gap
A new study in 15- to 25-year-olds finds that ADHD treatment improves outcomes for young people with ADHD and substance use disorder, including a 30% decrease in mortality. Despite being diagnosed with both conditions, young people are less likely to receive ADHD medication.
Short-term heat stress and air pollution linked to increased suicide risk
A new study found that high levels of air pollution can amplify the risk of suicide associated with heat stress, especially during the warm season. The researchers analyzed 7,500 suicide cases in Utah and found a strong synergistic effect of heat and nitrogen dioxide.
First degree female relatives’ suicidal intentions may influence women’s suicide risk
A large population study found that female relatives' suicidal intentions may influence women's suicide risk, with shared familial environment and social factors having a key role. The study also found that genetic factors only partly explain the observed sex difference in suicidal behaviors.
Loneliness, anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation in the all of us dataset
Researchers analyzed data from over 62,000 participants, finding that loneliness partially mediated the link between anxiety and suicidal thoughts as well as depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. Targeting loneliness may be a crucial strategy to prevent progression from these conditions.
Improve education and transitional support for autistic people to prevent death by suicide, say experts
A new study found that autistic people face inequalities from childhood, leading to suicidal thoughts and deaths. The researchers emphasize the need for a commitment to a properly resourced Autism Strategy to prevent suicidal trajectories.
Online searches for crisis hotlines surged worldwide and rise in the same months as suicide-related searches
A new study analyzing global Google Trends data reveals a sharp increase in online searches for crisis hotlines, particularly in recent years. The findings suggest that digital help-seeking signals can provide timely insight into population distress and demand for crisis resources.
Understanding the rising suicide risk among Black youth
A new study sheds light on the complex factors driving rising suicide rates among Black youth, identifying protective factors such as anxiety and religiosity that may help mitigate this risk. Timely assessment and follow-up after deliberate self-harm are also crucial in decreasing suicide risk.
Reminding people they’re talking to chatbots may be ineffective or even harmful, researchers say
Researchers argue that mandated reminders about a chatbot's non-human nature may exacerbate mental distress and form stronger attachments. The warnings come after recent deaths by suicide linked to chatbots like ChatGPT and Character.AI, highlighting the need for careful crafting and timing of these reminders.
How AI tools like DeepSeek are transforming emotional and mental health care of Chinese youth
China's youth faces a growing mental health crisis, but AI platforms like DeepSeek offer promising solutions to bridge the gap. These platforms leverage natural language processing and generative AI to provide round-the-clock support tailored to Chinese society.
Academic pressure linked to increased risk of depression risk in teens
A study led by University College London found that academic pressure at age 15 is linked to higher depressive symptoms and self-harm in young people. The association persists into adulthood, with high levels of academic pressure at age 15 associated with increased risk of self-harm up to age 24.
Suicide hotline calls increase with rising nighttime temperatures
Research suggests a significant increase in suicide hotline calls during periods of extreme heat. Temperatures above the hottest 99th percentile have been linked to a 168% rise in crisis calls, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
New resource supports trauma survivors, health professionals
A new online tool provides information and tools for clinicians to respond to emerging patient care needs, enhancing trauma-informed healthcare for individuals with C-PTSD. The resource was co-developed by researchers and survivors, aligning with best practices and patient-centered research.
Tailored treatment approach shows promise for reducing suicide and self-harm risk in teens and young adults
A new study demonstrates a health care approach matching treatment intensity to individual risk levels can significantly reduce self-harm and depression among at-risk adolescents and young adults. The randomized clinical trial found significant reductions in self-harm behaviors, improved patient satisfaction, and high follow-up rates.
Study finds elevated alcohol involvement in suicides of lesbian, gay and bisexual women
A new study from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found significantly higher blood alcohol levels and intoxication rates among LGB women who died by suicide compared to heterosexual women. The study highlights alcohol use as a potentially modifiable target for suicide prevention efforts among this population.
Risk of suicide in patients with traumatic injuries
A cohort study found a 9-fold increased risk of suicide in Norwegian patients discharged alive after critical injury. Follow-up is recommended for possible psychological distress in this patient group.
Gambling harms and suicide risk under the spotlight in new university study
A new research project at Staffordshire University is examining the barriers that prevent people from seeking help for problem gambling. The study aims to understand how experiences of shame differ across genders and cultures, highlighting the need for effective prevention strategies.
Children’s Hospital Colorado research outlines first pediatric classifications for suicide risk in adolescents and kids
Researchers have identified five classifications of youth who have died by suicide, highlighting the importance of earlier detection and interventions. These classifications will improve primary care providers' understanding of specific risk factors and warning signs, enabling targeted prevention efforts.
January 2026 issues of APA journals feature new research on autism, pediatric anxiety, psychedelic therapy, suicide prevention and more
The January 2026 issues of four American Psychiatric Association journals feature groundbreaking research on externalizing disorders, pediatric anxiety, autism, and inflammation-related depression. The studies also explore the potential benefits of psychedelic therapy in suicide prevention.
Brain injuries linked with potential risk of suicide, new study finds
A new UK-based study found that adults who experience a head injury face a substantially higher risk of attempting suicide compared to those without such injuries. The 20-year population-based matched cohort study analyzed data from over 1.8 million adults and found that people with head injuries were 21% more likely to attempt suicide.
A decline in churchgoing linked to more deaths of despair
A decline in churchgoing among middle-aged, less educated white Americans is linked to increased mortality rates from drug overdoses, suicide, and alcoholic liver disease. The study found that states with the largest declines in churchgoing experienced larger increases in deaths of despair, starting years before the opioid crisis began.
New study: Years of war in Ukraine leave adolescents facing a growing mental health emergency
A new study reveals that 16% of teens exposed to both phases of the Russo-Ukrainian war experience PTSD symptoms, while over 10% experience severe depressive symptoms. The study highlights the need for immediate and sustained attention to support Ukrainian youth's mental health needs.
How emotions spread online following celebrity suicide news
A study analyzing resharing behavior on X (formerly Twitter) shows that different expressed emotions unfold in the aftermath of celebrity suicides, with disgust being the most contagious emotion. The findings emphasize the need for emotion-specific approaches to both theoretical modeling and practical intervention in online environments.
Lowest suicide rate is in December but some in media still promote holiday-suicide myth
A study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that the US suicide rate is lowest in December, with a significant decline during the year-end holiday season. However, some news outlets continue to perpetuate the false myth that suicides increase around the holidays.
The presence of a gun in the home increases the risk of suicide by three to five times
A review of 467 studies confirms that firearm ownership increases suicides, intensifies psychological fragility, and amplifies violence. Safe storage of firearms reduces but does not eliminate the risk, researchers say.
FAU study finds connection between poor mental health and dark web use
A new FAU study reveals significant mental health differences between dark web users and surface web users, with dark web users reporting substantially higher levels of depressive symptoms and paranoid thoughts. The study also found substantial differences in suicidal thoughts, non-suicidal self-injury, and digital self-harm.
Intimate partner violence injury patterns linked with suicidal behavior
Victims of intimate partner violence with suicidal behavior show distinct injury patterns on medical imaging, including head, face, neck and upper limb injuries. The study aims to improve screening and intervention for vulnerable populations.
Many who die by suicide aren’t depressed, genetic research suggests
A new genetic study found that people without prior suicidal thoughts or behaviors have fewer psychiatric diagnoses and genetic risk factors for psychiatric conditions compared to those with known suicidality. This suggests that conventional wisdom on how to reduce suicide may need to be rethought.
Genes may predict suicide risk in depression
A recent study published in Nature Genetics found that depression beginning before age 25 has a stronger hereditary component and is associated with a higher risk of suicide attempts. The research identified 12 genetic regions linked to early-onset depression, highlighting the potential for precision medicine in psychiatry.
Veteran suicide rates are declining, but remain high for those with brain injuries, research shows
New research from the University of Utah shows a significant decline in veteran suicide rates since 2020, but rates remain high for those with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The study's findings highlight the importance of safe gun use and various suicide prevention measures.
Suicide prevention program decreases risks, saves lives among people recently released from jail
A federally funded clinical trial tested an intervention to prevent suicides among people recently released from jail, reducing suicide attempts by over half. The safety planning intervention involved in-jail programs and telephone check-ins for six months.
High risk of suicide after involuntary psychiatric care
A nationwide study found that involuntary psychiatric patients have a significantly higher risk of suicide, particularly during the first month after discharge. The risk is elevated for several years and is associated with factors such as age, diagnosis, and previous self-harm.
November issues of APA journals feature new research on predictors of alcohol use disorder; youth mental health, suicide risk and treatment; and more
The latest issues of three American Psychiatric Association journals feature research on schizophrenia, stimulant use disorder, and recovery-oriented approaches for schizophrenia. The publications highlight new treatments and findings on alcohol use disorder, youth mental health, and suicide risk.
Report outlines roadmap to curb firearm violence by 2040
The report proposes initiatives to reduce firearm violence, including using AI and addressing social causes. It also highlights the need for primordial prevention, which involves changing inequitable social structures to prevent violence.
Disrupted sleep in teens identified as suicide risk factor
Researchers identified a link between early adolescence sleep disruption and later suicide attempts. Adolescents who experienced difficulties maintaining and obtaining sufficient sleep were more likely to report a suicide attempt several years later.
Contrasting risk profiles for suicide attempt and suicide
Researchers have uncovered contrasting risk profiles for individuals who attempt suicide and those who die by suicide, with the former showing more overlap with other mental health conditions. These findings suggest distinct approaches may be needed to prevent suicidal behavior and improve patient outcomes.
Stress sensitivity makes suicidal thoughts more extreme and persistent among the university population
A longitudinal study of over 700 university students found that stress sensitivity increases the frequency, intensity, and variability of suicidal thoughts. Stress sensitivity was also found to intensify the frequency and variability of suicidal thoughts among students with intense, frequent, and persistent ideation.
New BBRF webinar to explore biological factors underlying suicide risk
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation will host a free webinar on October 14, 2025, examining the biological factors that contribute to suicide risk and what can be done to strengthen prevention efforts. Featured speaker Steven Lamontagne, Ph.D., will discuss preliminary effects of ketamine treatment on outcomes.
Why are we still ignoring suicide risk of a hair-loss drug?
A review by Prof. Mayer Brezis reveals finasteride's potential psychiatric effects, including depression and suicidal thoughts, despite mounting evidence; hundreds of thousands may have suffered from depression, and hundreds more may have died by suicide.
Sodium nitrite and nitrate increasingly used in youth suicide attempts
A recent study found that young people are increasingly turning to sodium nitrite and nitrate as a method of suicide after buying the products online. The chemicals, which can cause hypoxia and eventual death when ingested, are often readily available for purchase online.
Safe gun storage program gives pediatricians a guide for preventing suicide by firearms
The 'Store it Safe' program, launched in 2015, trains healthcare providers to screen for depression and suicide, discuss lethal means, distribute safe storage lock boxes, and provide resources for families. The program has shown significant improvements in suicidality screening rates and lethal means discussion during youth visits.
Alcohol consumption per capita and suicide
A systematic review and meta-analysis found a strong association between alcohol consumption per capita and an increase in suicide mortality rates. The study suggests that targeting alcohol consumption may be a useful strategy for comprehensive national suicide prevention efforts.
Beyond the surface: Atopic eczema linked to significantly higher risk of suicidal thoughts, major study finds
A new study reveals that adults with atopic eczema are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts, with factors such as age of onset, obesity, and clinical features strongly associated with increased risk. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to better recognize and address these challenges.
‘Preventable deaths will continue’ without action to make NHS more accessible for autistic people, say experts
A recent study found that systemic barriers hinder autistic adults' access to NHS support during mental health crises. Only one in four participants reached out to the NHS when experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors.