Research on suicide risk and prevention. Covers screening and skills programs, youth emergency visits, and neighborhood risk factors.
A national study found that states with higher labor underutilization, non-Hispanic white populations, and opioid prescriptions had higher SIM rates. States with centralized medicolegal death investigation systems detected more SIM cases due to toxicologic testing.
A new study finds that adolescents with frequent suicidal thoughts are at risk for a range of psychological and social issues, including depression, anxiety, attention disorders, and more. Pediatricians can use screening tools to identify teens who need help, regardless of whether they will attempt suicide.
Research suggests social factors contributing to rising US mortality from suicide and substance abuse are less prevalent in other industrial nations. The study calls for new programs to address this crisis.
A clinical trial published by The BMJ found ketamine to be a short-term effective treatment for some suicidal patients hospitalized for severe ideation. Patients with bipolar disorder showed significant improvement, while those with major depression or other mental illnesses did not.
A national survey of over 2,000 adults aged 50-80 found that most support steps to reduce firearm injury risk, including safety counseling and background checks. The study highlights opportunities to help older adults recognize and address risks in their homes, particularly for those living with children or experiencing cognitive decline.
A new study found that patients with chronic non-communicable diseases are more than twice as likely to die from any cause if they also have a psychiatric comorbidity. Comorbid psychiatric disorders were associated with higher all-cause mortality rates, ranging from 5.5-21.1%.
A new UBC study confirms that men are at increased risk of mental illness, including anxiety and depression, when they transition out of relationships. The study found that men often downplay issues in their relationships, leading to further conflict, and may turn to substances to cope with feelings such as anger and regret.
A new study found that adolescents who reported suicidal ideation were more likely to report infrequent seat belt use and drunk driving. The researchers emphasized the need for mental health support to protect adolescent health and well-being.
A global study led by TGen found five genes linked to brain regions that may help prevent suicidal behavior. The research could inform predictive models of suicide risk in patients with mental disorders.
The January issues of American Psychiatric Association journals feature new research on the factors underlying alcohol and cannabis use, as well as their interactions with other psychiatric illnesses. The journals also address disparities in coercive treatment for psychosis and provide insights into mental health services delivery.
A study reveals child maltreatment increases risk factors for suicidal behaviors in adolescents, including emotional dysregulation and stress. The research suggests that addressing these issues through regulation strategies and reducing new stressful events can help prevent suicidal behaviors.
Researchers found alarmingly high attendance rates at hospital emergency departments for children, teens, and adult victims of child abuse and neglect. Children exposed to child maltreatment have substantially increased risk of attending emergency departments during childhood and early adulthood.
A study found that a hip hop song about suicide prevention led to an increase in calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and a reduction in suicides. The researchers suggest that positive media stories can have a protective effect, particularly for hard-to-reach groups.
A new study by Centre for Addiction and Mental Health reveals an association between trans individuals' need for acute mental health care and experiences of marginalization. Transgender individuals who access acute mental health care are twice as likely to be diagnosed with personality disorders than the general population.
A new publication sheds light on how words used in relation to firearm injuries and deaths can impact prevention efforts. The authors emphasize the need for shared, informed, non-judgmental language to create trust and sustainable collaboration among clinicians, researchers, and the public.
A UConn study found that supporting surviving parents can reduce youth suicide risk by combating negative self-views in bereaved children. The Family Bereavement Program improved parenting skills and needs, leading to reduced aversive self-views and increased child positive connectedness.
A large-scale genome-wide association study has identified a region on chromosome 7 containing DNA variations that increase the risk of attempting suicide. The study found overlap between the genetic basis of suicide attempts and related psychiatric disorders, as well as non-psychiatric risk factors such as smoking and sleep disturbances.
A recent study has found that while US suicide rates fell during the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant socio-economic gap persists, with vulnerable populations disproportionately affected. The researchers highlight the need for further research and social cohesion measures to mitigate pandemic-induced suicide risk in these communities.
A new study by the American Psychological Association found that gay and bisexual men who move from high-stigma to low-stigma countries experience a significantly lower risk of depression and suicidal thoughts. The research analyzed data from over 123,000 participants across 48 countries.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have identified a new target for rapid antidepressant drugs using ketamine's role in synaptic effects. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for approximately half of patients whose current antidepressants are ineffective, significantly reducing the risk of suicide.
The article highlights the importance of recovering routine vaccination rates after the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccinations for MMR, DTaP, polio, and HPV have seen significant drops, posing dire consequences to population health. Experts emphasize the need for stakeholders to drive awareness, facilitate access, and build vaccine confidence.
The MC3 program provides a lifeline for primary care providers in Michigan, connecting them with psychiatrists and behavioral specialists for consultation and training. This has led to improved diagnosis and care for young people with mental health concerns, including those who express suicidal thoughts or have harmed themselves.
A NIH study found that sexual identity intersects with gender, age, and race/ethnicity to compound suicide risk for some lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals. Rates of suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts were higher among LGB adults compared to heterosexual adults across all demographic groups.
Researchers found that adding one of three Suicide Cognitions Scale items to the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 improved accuracy in identifying those at highest risk of suicidal behavior within a month. This augmentation can lead to reduced unnecessary treatment and misallocated resources, benefiting both patients and physicians.
A five-year study from Columbia University found that a single dose of ketamine improved thinking and reasoning, independent of depressive symptoms, making those in suicidal crisis less likely to harm themselves. The study also showed greater cognitive improvements in those given ketamine compared to midazolam.
Researchers developed an algorithm that predicts suicidal thoughts and behavior among adolescents with 91% accuracy, analyzing data from 179,384 students. The study reveals online harassment and bullying as leading predictors of suicidal ideation and behavior, with females more likely to experience suicidal thoughts.
A new machine learning-based algorithm has been developed to identify adolescents who have experienced suicidal thoughts and behavior. The algorithm, applied to a large dataset of survey responses from over 179,000 high school students in Utah, shows high accuracy in predicting individual adolescents at risk.
A systematic review of youth helplines found that while they appear to be beneficial, there is limited evidence on their effectiveness, particularly for lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The study highlights the need for further research and tailored services to address systemic barriers to help-seeking.
A Rutgers study found that people who bought firearms during the 2020 purchasing surge were more likely to report suicidal thoughts, with 56% experiencing lifetime thoughts and 42% in the past year. The study highlights the need for safe storage policies and suicide risk screening during firearm purchases.
A new study published in Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine found that playing high school football is not associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation or depression in young adulthood. In contrast, mental health difficulties in adolescence were strongly related to suicidality in young adulthood.
A new study by Kennedy Krieger Institute found that children with autism spectrum disorder are twice as likely to report suicidal thoughts during routine medical screenings. The study highlights the importance of implementing suicide risk screenings for all children, especially those with neurodevelopmental disorders.
A survey study found that nearly 1 in 18 US nurses (5.5%) considered suicide within the past year, with burnout and depression symptoms being independent risk factors for suicidal ideation.
A national survey of over 7,000 US nurses found that they experience suicidal ideation at a rate nearly 1% higher than the general workforce, with 40% screening positive for depression and 33% exhibiting burnout symptoms. The findings highlight the need for urgent attention and system-based interventions to address nurse well-being
A study by the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that individuals with cancer living in economically or medically underserved areas have a nearly twice the risk of suicide mortality compared to the general population. Mental distress from financial hardship worsened during cancer survivorship among those living...
A new study found that people with autism spectrum disorder are at a substantially increased risk of self-injury and suicide, with odds over three times higher than in non-autistic individuals. The study identified 31 studies showing statistically significant positive associations between ASD and self-harm.
Only one in four Western Roman emperors died of natural causes, following a power law distribution. The study found that the risk of survival was high when taking the throne, but declined after 13 years, with a sharp increase again at this point.
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a stark increase in major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders worldwide, affecting 246 million cases globally in 2020. Women were disproportionately impacted, accounting for over 35 million additional cases, while younger people were also more severely affected.
A study of 104 transgender and non-binary youth found a 60% decrease in moderate and severe depression and a 73% decrease in suicidality after receiving puberty blockers or gender-affirming hormones. The study suggests that access to gender-affirming medical care is critical for ensuring the well-being of young people.
Men with a history of alcohol charges have more than twice the risk of suicide when purchasing handguns, according to new research. The study also found that recent and repeat alcohol charges were associated with the greatest risk of suicide, suggesting that reducing firearm access or addressing alcohol use could help mitigate this risk.
This observational study found that precancer characteristics and postcancer health services are associated with an increased risk of suicidal self-directed violence among US veteran survivors of head/neck cancer. The study highlights the need for comprehensive care and support for these individuals.
The Penn Innovation in Suicide Prevention Implementation Research (INSPIRE) Center aims to develop and test evidence-based suicide prevention interventions for underserved groups, including Black, Hispanic, and LGBTQ populations. The center will also focus on optimizing the scale of these interventions.
The American Psychiatric Association journals feature research on the mental health of community college students, diabetes, depression, and schizophrenia treatment. The findings extend and validate previous studies relevant to clinical psychiatry.
A study of over 29,000 American women found that breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of postpartum depression. Women who breastfed for longer periods had lower rates of postpartum depression, with those breastfeeding for 6-12 months showing the greatest reduction.
A major research project addressing male suicide and depression in the UK and Europe found the Men's Shed concept improves health and wellbeing for men at high-risk of social isolation. The project, Step-by-Step, has been adopted by various groups across four countries, promoting peer-support and autonomy.
Despite increased unemployment, Canada's suicide rates dropped between March 2020 and February 2021, according to a study. The Canadian government's economic support measures, including financial assistance and reduced mortgage payments, are believed to have contributed to this decrease in suicide rates.
A CAMH-led study found that 36% of Toronto-area LGBTQ2S youth experiencing homelessness have attempted suicide since the pandemic began. The study highlights the need for more inclusive and population-based access to life-saving health and social support services for this group.
A school-based online safety monitoring program found associations between cyberbullying, depression, and self-harm with increased suicide-related behaviors among U.S. students. The study also identified low-severity self-harm as a significant risk factor.
A new study found that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) significantly reduces deaths by suicide among older adults with depression in the months following hospitalization. The therapy may also improve overall health and cognitive functioning.
A new study explores how young people who have attempted suicide use alcohol and other substances as a coping mechanism for emotional distress. The research highlights the 'double-edged sword' effect of these substances, contributing to both negative mental health outcomes and suicidal thoughts.
New research from Edith Cowan University reveals responders to the 9/11 terrorist attacks are still suffering 20 years later, with many facing significant health issues related to the event. Cancer and mental health concerns are particularly prevalent among responders.
A study in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that women, combat medics, and those with an anxiety disorder diagnosis were at higher risk. The study identified factors that may help assess suicide risk in soldiers, including sociodemographic and service-related characteristics.
Researchers found a significant increase in suicidal thoughts and behaviors among children and teens during the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency department encounters for these individuals also saw a substantial rise, highlighting the need for improved mental health support services.
A survey study found that emergency medicine residents experience high rates of workplace mistreatment, including suicidal thoughts, and identify common sources of mistreatment as supervisors, colleagues, and patients. The study highlights the need for improved workplace culture and support systems to address these issues.
The global death toll from suicide has increased by nearly 20,000 over the past 30 years, driven by population ageing and growth. Despite a decline in age-specific suicide rates, countries face challenges in reversing this trend due to aging populations.
A Kaiser Permanente study published in JAMA Health Forum found that 83% of primary care patients and 92% of mental health clinic patients answered the question about their access to firearms. The study suggests that asking about firearm access could support suicide prevention by creating opportunities to discuss safety planning, includ...
A national study funded by a $9-million award will compare two suicide prevention interventions for autistic individuals, SPI-ASD and SPI-ASD+, across four health systems. The study aims to develop effective interventions for autistic youth at risk for suicide.
Researchers found no evidence of increased suicide risk among patients taking recently developed antiseizure medications. The study suggests that the FDA's blanket warning on anti-seizure medications may not be justified, highlighting concerns about its impact on patient treatment and trial results.
A study from McGill University and France uses AI to identify factors predicting suicidal behavior in students, finding self-esteem as a major predictor. Approximately 17% of students exhibited suicidal behaviors, highlighting the need for large-scale screening tools.
Researchers at MUSC Health found that children with underlying mental illnesses are more likely to suffer from additional mental disorders after a nonfatal gunshot wound. The study also highlights the importance of addressing mental health needs in children who have suffered firearm-related injuries.
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has awarded $254 million to fund 28 new research studies aimed at reducing health disparities in maternal morbidity, preventing youth suicide, and improving behavioral health outcomes. Four studies will assess interventions to improve prenatal care for Black women and their child...