Research on suicide risk and prevention. Covers screening and skills programs, youth emergency visits, and neighborhood risk factors.
A researcher at MUSC has developed an AI algorithm that analyzes clinical notes to identify patients at risk of suicide. The algorithm achieved accuracy rates of around 98.5% when trained on electronic health records, and nearly 80% when validated against existing predictive models.
According to Nemours Children's Health, over 21.5% of teen ER patients screened showed symptoms of severe depression, while 7.8% reported suicidal thoughts during the pandemic. This finding underscores the need for increased vigilance and support for adolescent mental health.
A new study found that 28.4% of adults with a history of suicide attempts are psychologically flourishing, achieving excellent mental health with factors like social support, higher income, and absence of chronic pain contributing to their well-being
Gender-affirming hair removal procedures were associated with reduced rates of past-month severe psychological distress, past-year smoking, and past-year suicidal ideation. The study analyzed data from the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey.
A new neural model can detect 'inappropriateness' in chatbot messages, which are defined as content that may harm the reputation of the speaker's company without being toxic. The study provides a large collection of labeled datasets for further research and has been made publicly available.
A new study found that diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or genetic predisposition to PTSD is associated with increased risk of suicide death among individuals with bipolar disorder. The research suggests that understanding the genetic contribution to PTSD can help identify different strategies for suicide prevention.
A new study finds that over 37% of coal miners suffer from major depressive disorder, with 11.4% considering suicide in the last year. The researchers urge increased mental health support and further study of potential contributors to this crisis.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center are exploring telehealth as a treatment option for adolescents with suicidal thoughts, following a $7.5 million PCORI award. The study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of suicide prevention treatment delivered by telehealth during the pandemic.
A survey study investigated the association between surgical resident grit and burnout, finding that residents with higher grit levels were more likely to experience burnout. The study suggests that grit may be an important factor in preventing burnout among surgical residents.
A new study by Penn State College of Medicine reveals that people living with HIV/AIDS are more likely to have suicidal thoughts and die from suicide than the general population. The researchers found that despite medical advancements, the risk of suicide in this population is high.
Research highlights the need to reexamine assumptions about suicide in Black youth due to rising rates of suicidal behavior. The study calls for a 'ground zero' approach, focusing on theory development, understanding developmental trajectories, and engaging trusted community organizations.
A study of over 280,000 young adults found that cannabis use was associated with increased suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt, regardless of depression levels. Women were more likely to experience these outcomes than men.
A new study by Colorado State University Professor Silvia Sara Canetto found that men who engage in more family care work have lower suicide rates. The research suggests that men's underinvestment in family care work may contribute to their vulnerability to suicide, particularly during economic difficult circumstances.
A recent study examines differences in suicidal thoughts and nonfatal suicide attempts among US adolescents over the last three decades. The research highlights varying rates of suicidal ideation and behavior across different racial and ethnic groups.
A study examining ERPO use in Oregon found that these laws are commonly considered as a tool to remove guns from dangerous individuals, but should also be used to prevent gun purchases by those at risk. Most ERPO petitions were filed by law enforcement or reported histories of interpersonal violence or suicidality.
African American families living in public housing face unique challenges that contribute to high rates of suicidal behavior among young people. The study suggests that culturally tailored interventions delivered within public housing communities could be effective in preventing suicides.
Researchers found that ADHD medications were associated with reduced suicidal behavior and thoughts in preadolescent children with externalizing behaviors. Children taking ADHD medications had lesser odds for suicidality, suggesting a moderating role for these medications.
A new study in Wales has found that social isolation, domestic abuse, and relationship problems are strongly linked to suicidal thoughts, while hope for the future and high levels of resilience can mitigate these effects. The survey of over 12,000 people revealed that several stressors contribute to increased risk of suicidal thoughts.
A global review found that Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) is associated with lower risk of multiple causes of death among people with opioid dependence. OAT was linked to reduced overdose-related, suicide, alcohol-related, cancer, and cardiovascular-related mortality.
A new study from Columbia University found that young adults with schizophrenia have the highest suicide risk and those aged 65 and older have the lowest. People with schizophrenia overall have a 4.5-fold increased risk of dying from suicide.
Rates of depression and anxiety were found to be higher among US coal miners compared to the general population. The study also identified a significant risk of posttraumatic stress disorder among current and former coal miners in the United States.
A new study from King's College London found that users of the Reddit forum 'SuicideWatch' post at their highest between 02:00 and 05:00 on Mondays, a trend that closely follows earlier studies on suicide timing patterns. The researchers believe this data can be used to target at-risk populations with greater levels of support.
Research using neutrons reveals a connection between lithium concentration and depression, with healthier individuals having more lithium in their gray matter. The findings suggest that lithium may play an important role in the body, with implications for therapy and understanding of physiological processes.
Researchers at Swansea and Cardiff universities have developed the Risk of Suicide Protocol (RoSP), a guide for health professionals to identify individuals at risk of taking their own lives. The protocol assesses 20 key aspects of a person's life, enabling clinicians to formulate problems and develop safety plans to help those in need.
A recent study has identified discrepancies in World Health Organization (WHO) classifications of pesticide hazards, leading to the continued use of potentially lethal pesticides in developing countries. The researchers propose eliminating all pesticides with fatality rates above five per cent to reduce suicides.
A study published in The BMJ found that ICU admission is associated with a small increased risk of future suicide or self-harm after discharge. Younger patients with pre-existing psychiatric illness and those who received invasive life support were at higher risk, according to the research.
A review of 25 research papers reveals that attending a suicide event has a significant impact on the mental health of healthcare workers and first responders. The study highlights the need for more research into the effects of trauma on these professionals.
Researchers found significant racial/ethnic disparities in the performance of statistical models predicting suicide risk after outpatient mental health visits. These disparities were most pronounced among Asian Americans and American Indians, suggesting a need for culturally tailored interventions.
Researchers tested two suicide prediction models on nearly 14 million health records and found they performed poorly on Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native patients. The study highlights the need to test how prediction models perform in all racial and ethnic groups before implementing them in clinical care.
A Rutgers University study found that states with stricter firearms laws reported lower suicide and homicide rates. The study analyzed data from 1991 to 2017 and found a significant correlation between the total number of firearm laws in a state and its corresponding suicide and homicide rates.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine are working to develop innovative solutions to prevent firearm-related deaths and injuries, building on federal funding for the first time in years. The effort aims to strike a balance between public health and gun rights, with initial studies revealing promising results.
An international study of 70 scientists in 21 countries found that suicides fell by 4% during the Covid-19 pandemic, with similar trends reported globally. The study attributes this decline to swift implementation of supportive measures, including psychotherapy and crisis intervention services.
A University of Michigan study found that female nurses are twice as likely to commit suicide as the general female population and 70% more likely than female physicians. The study highlights the need for high-quality wellness programs for nurses, who face extraordinary demands from COVID-19 and often struggle with work-life balance.
A University of Michigan study found that emergency room visits related to suicide attempts and self-harm decreased by 40% during the first eight months of the pandemic. The decline was observed despite initial concerns about an increase in suicidal behavior during a worldwide crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.
A recent study found that 43.3% of veterans reported positive psychological benefits during the pandemic, including greater appreciation for life and closer interpersonal relationships. Psychological interventions promoting post-traumatic growth may help prevent suicide among veterans.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry estimated the risk of suicide among nurses and physicians compared to the general population. The study found that these professionals are at a significantly higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
A new observational study found that suicide numbers remained largely unchanged or declined in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in high-income and upper-middle-income countries. However, governments must remain vigilant as the longer-term mental health and economic effects unfold.
A recent national study found that 43.3% of veterans reported positive psychological benefits, including greater appreciation for life and closer relationships, during the pandemic. This is more than five times the number of those who had contemplated suicide.
A new study reveals a strong association between insomnia, suicidal thoughts, and worsening disease symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Insomnia was found to be a common symptom in these patients, with waking up too early particularly associated with current suicidal thoughts.
Researchers evaluated the association between a recent dementia diagnosis and suicide attempt among older adults. The study found that individuals with dementia were at a higher risk of attempting suicide compared to those without the condition.
Researchers found that several existing suicide risk prediction models are accurate enough to be implemented cost-effectively in clinical practice. The models could help identify individuals at high risk of suicide and offer effective interventions such as active contact and follow-up or cognitive behavioral therapy.
A machine learning algorithm has been shown to accurately predict adult patients at risk of attempting or experiencing suicidal thoughts. The Vanderbilt Suicide Attempt and Ideation Likelihood (VSAIL) model uses routine health records to identify those who should receive further screening, potentially directing limited resources where ...
Research suggests that stroke survivors are at a higher risk of attempting or dying by suicide, with rates of depression among survivors ranging from 28% to 35%. The study analyzed over 2 million stroke survivors and found a significant association between stroke and increased suicidal thoughts.
Research found over 40% of students reported at least one adverse childhood event (ACE), with girls reporting more ACEs than boys. School connectedness buffered the association between ACEs and suicidality for some youth, while increasing risk for others, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that youth in the child welfare system who died by suicide were more likely to have experienced out-of-home placements, mental health conditions, and visited healthcare settings. Integrating suicide prevention strategies into healthcare delivery is crucial for this vulnerable population.
New research suggests that unfair police treatment is associated with detrimental outcomes such as depression, suicidal thoughts, drug use, and loss of self-efficacy. The study used a nationally representative sample of over 12,000 participants and found significant disparities in the consequences faced by white and Black people.
A new study found that cancer patients who died by suicide were generally older and less likely to have histories of physical and psychiatric problems. These patients were also more likely to communicate about their suicidal intent before death.
A recent study found that veterans who experienced traumatic adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and/or combat are more likely to think about suicide. Female veterans, in particular, appear vulnerable to suicidal thinking and may require enhanced support and evidence-based treatment.
A new protocol aims to identify and measure suicidal ideation in research studies, ensuring participant safety. The protocol uses the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale to score risk levels, triggering interventions such as stopping data collection or contacting mental health resources.
A survey study found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in mental health concerns, substance use and suicidal ideation among at-risk demographic groups. The study examined patterns of mental health concerns, substance use and suicidal ideation during June and September of the pandemic.
A Rutgers study found that law enforcement and military personnel are the most preferred messengers for safe gun storage and suicide prevention education. The study ranked 14 groups as trusted sources, with law enforcement and military personnel ranking highest among firearm owners.
Researchers found that training primary care physicians in depression recognition and medication treatment can prevent suicide, often halving the risk. Reducing access to lethal methods, such as firearms, is also crucial in preventing suicidal behavior.
A new analysis reveals a sharp increase in suicides among young women in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic, contrary to expectations. The study suggests that existing suicide prevention policies may not be effective for this demographic, highlighting the need for new mental health support policies.
A new study published in Archives of Suicide Research found that handgun ownership is associated with a greater odds of dying from self-inflicted gunshot wounds in suicide deaths. Researchers also discovered that individuals who only owned handguns were more likely to use them in their death compared to those who owned shotguns.
A West Virginia University-led study combines most drug overdose deaths with all suicides into an expanded self-injury category, exposing a mental health crisis across the United States. The research found that the national annual average percentage change in the self-injury rate was 4.3%, compared to 1.8% for suicide rates.
A 10-year study by Brigham Young University reveals that teenage girls who spent more than two to three hours a day on social media were at a higher risk of suicide as emerging adults. The study suggests that parental guidance and moderation are key to mitigating the negative effects of social media on mental health.
A new computerized adaptive screener has been developed to identify youth at risk for attempting suicide, correctly identifying 82.4% of youth who went on to attempt suicide in the three months following screening. The screener, CASSY, offers an easy-to-use way for providers to detect youth suicide risk in emergency department settings.
A new universal screening tool, CASSY, helps caregivers predict an adolescent's suicide risk by identifying risk factors such as suicidal thoughts, sleep disturbance, and family issues. The tool has been shown to be accurate in predicting future suicide attempts with over 88% accuracy.
A recent study found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in suicide rates in Japan, with a notable rise among certain demographics. The researchers analyzed data from November 2020 and discovered a surge in suicides, particularly among young adults and those with higher occupational status.
A qualitative study found that women veterans prioritize connection with others to recover from a suicide attempt, while men focus on trying to 'live right' and feeling needed. Both groups desire a stronger sense of purpose and structure in their lives.