Articles tagged with Suicide
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 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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.
Research suggests a link between maternal depressive symptoms and adolescent suicidal thoughts, with loneliness as a key mediator. Children of depressed mothers are up to 15% more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or attempts as adolescents. Interventions targeting loneliness may help reduce this risk.
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.
A new USC study found that at least half of recent deaths in ICE custody were preventable, with COVID-19, influenza, and suicide contributing to the high death rate. Researchers call for improved infection control measures, access to quality psychiatric care, and suicide prevention efforts.
Researchers found stable rates of suicide deaths during the COVID-19 stay-at-home advisory in Massachusetts among those aged 10 and older. The study's findings parallel those of ecological disasters, suggesting a lack of significant impact on mental health during this period.
Researchers found a decrease in suicide-related internet search rates during the COVID-19 pandemic's early stages. The study suggests that COVID-19 may have had an inverse association with population-level suicide trends between March and July 2020.
A study by Kayla Follmer and Jake Follmer found that low-grade forms of workplace mistreatment can amplify suicidal thoughts in employees with depression or bipolar disorder. The researchers surveyed 279 American adults and discovered that perceived mistreatment, job engagement, and suicidal ideation are linked.
A study examining national register data from Denmark found individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have higher rates of suicide attempts and completion compared to those without ASD. Potential risk factors for suicidal behavior in individuals with ASD were identified in the research.
A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that youth with a family history of suicide attempts have lower executive functioning and poorer language reasoning. The study suggests cognitive-behavioral therapy and early intervention may help address these issues.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that COVID-19 pandemic led to decreased suicides in the overall population, but increased suicides among Black Marylanders. The researchers highlight the importance of identifying high-risk groups and vulnerable populations to reduce suicide numbers.
Military personnel who receive lethal means counseling and a cable lock are more likely to use a gun safe and unload firearms before storing, according to a Rutgers study. The combination of these interventions resulted in greater adoption of safe storage methods, reducing the risk of military suicide.
A recent Canadian study revealed that women with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are eight times more likely to have attempted suicide compared to their male counterparts. The study also found that adults with ADHD who experienced childhood parental violence had triple the odds of attempting suicide.
Researchers recommend that GPs adopt a more open questioning style when discussing self-harm and suicide with patients, acknowledging the possibility of a positive response. This can help alleviate stigma and encourage patients to disclose their thoughts, ultimately leading to better mental health outcomes.
A new study published in the journal Nursing Forum found a distinct shift in the method of nurse suicides, with firearm use increasing among female nurses between 2014 and 2017. The study suggests that removing firearms from homes and providing increased social support may help prevent such deaths.
A recent study analyzed differences in suicide deaths by race/ethnicity during the COVID-19 pandemic in Maryland. The results showed a significant increase in suicide mortality among certain racial and ethnic groups, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that patients with Parkinson disease in Taiwan were at a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared to the general population. The research highlights the need for improved mental health support and early intervention strategies for individuals with Parkinson disease.
Researchers found a significant increase in suicidal behaviors, including ideation, planning, and attempts, between 2015-2018. The study's findings emphasize the importance of addressing mental health issues and developing effective coping skills to prevent suicide. Key risk factors include African Americans, younger adults, sexual min...
A survey of physicians revealed a significant association between burnout and suicidal thoughts, as well as self-reported medical errors. The study controlled for depression and found that burnout was independently linked to these outcomes.
Recent studies found a significant rise in mental health themes in popular rap songs over the past two decades. Lyrics from top hits analyzed for evidence of anxiety, depression, suicide, and related mental health issues are reported to be more common now than they were two decades ago.
A study found that rap songs referencing mental health more than doubled between 1998 and 2018, a trend that could shape the conversation around mental health for young listeners. Most artists referenced love and environmental issues as stressors, using metaphors like 'pushed to the edge' or 'fighting my demons',
New research suggests that US states adopting voucher and charter school choice laws witnessed declines in suicide rates among young people. Private schooling was also associated with better mental health in adulthood, even after controlling for important sociodemographic factors.
Researchers found that men who expected to work in jobs without a college degree but faced declines in the job market were nearly three times as likely to suffer early deaths by suicide and drug poisoning. The study suggests closed pathways to sustaining working-class jobs contribute to increased rates of suicide and drug-poisoning mor...
A new study found that suicidal thoughts and self-harm among childbearing women nearly tripled between 2006 and 2017, with significant increases seen among Black, low-income, and younger individuals. The prevalence of maternal suicidality increased from 0.2% to 0.6%, affecting an estimated 24,000 individuals.
A 2019 study found a contagion effect among boys, but an Annenberg Public Policy Center reanalysis concluded that the series had no clear effect on teen suicide. Recent commentaries challenge the reanalysis and defend it.
A Rutgers study of 3,500 Americans found that those who purchased firearms during the pandemic were more likely to experience suicidal thoughts, with 70% reporting lifetime suicidal ideation. Unsafe firearm storage habits also increased the risk of suicide in homes with a firearm.
A longitudinal study led by researchers at the University of Central Florida aims to identify modifiable protective factors that may reduce the risk of suicide among young lesbian and bisexual women. The study will focus on experiences during key transitional moments in their lives, such as entering high school or college.
The Georgia State University research team is developing a program called BE WITH to reduce social isolation and elevated suicide risk in racially diverse older adults. They will evaluate the effectiveness of the training for nutrition service volunteers who work with old adults in six metro Atlanta counties.
Diseases of despair, including substance abuse and suicidal thoughts, have soared in the US over the past decade, affecting all ages. Between 2009 and 2018, life expectancy fell year on year, and deaths among middle-aged white non-Hispanic men and women rose sharply.
A study examined the association between changes in firearm laws and suicide rates among young people aged 14-24 in Missouri. The researchers found that loosening state firearm restrictions was associated with an increase in suicides by firearms among this age group.
Researchers at Forefront Suicide Prevention at the University of Washington found that talking about suicide prevention and safe firearm storage at gun shows can lead to a significant increase in people locking up their firearms. In a community-based setting, engaging people in an empathetic conversation resulted in more people adoptin...
A new study emphasizes the importance of suicide prevention in the COVID-19 era, highlighting both pandemic-specific and prepandemic risk factors. The authors stress the need for a multifaceted approach to address these risks, leveraging political will and federal investments to support vulnerable populations.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm that can identify patients at high risk of intentional self-harm using unstructured clinical notes. The model achieved an accuracy of 98.5% in identifying current at-risk patients, but struggled with predicting future self-harm due to the presence of irrelevant information.
A University of Waikato study found that 51% of transgender people were discriminated against, with 23% experiencing verbal harassment and 39% victimized through cyberbullying. Protective factors like support from friends, family, and community reduced mental health disparities.
An elderly population study from Sweden found a higher risk of suicide among women born outside the Nordic region with untreated depression. The study also highlighted gender differences in factors related to suicide, including the protective effect of marriage in men and social isolation in both genders.
A new study estimates that antidepressant warnings may have contributed to 5,958 excess suicides nationally by 2010. The warnings reduced depression treatment among young people, exacerbating existing issues with access to care.
A recent study found that strong ethnic identity is a protective factor against suicidal behaviors among Black college students. Resilience and optimism also played a crucial role in decreasing suicidality.
A review of 35 studies found a lifetime prevalence of 17.4% for suicidal thoughts and 1.8% for attempts among physicians. Geographic region was linked to variations in suicidal behavior rates, with Europe showing higher prevalence than the US.