Research on suicide risk and prevention. Covers screening and skills programs, youth emergency visits, and neighborhood risk factors.
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 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.
Certain internal and external factors increase adolescent suicidal behavior risk, including poor coping, smartphone abuse, and mental health history in parents. Reframing with meaningful life, adequate nutrition, and positive relationships can reduce the risk.
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 study found that social similarity reduces individual risk of suicide for those under 45 living with others who share similar characteristics, such as employment status and ethnicity. However, high ethnic homogeneity in isolated areas may increase suicide risk among specific populations.
A University of Ottawa study suggests non-suicidal self-injury is contagious among teenagers, with those knowing someone who has harmed themselves twice as likely to try it. The study found over 1,400 Ontario teens aged 14-17 were more likely to harm themselves if they knew someone who had.
A population study of over 189,000 Swedish individuals found that those with ADHD who experienced financial distress were three to four times more likely to commit suicide. The study also showed that ADHD treatments did not alleviate financial struggles in adults with the disorder.
A large population study found a strong link between ADHD and financial distress, which contributes to a higher risk of suicide. Adults with ADHD were more likely to experience bank overdrafts, unpaid debts, and default risk, especially as they aged.
A George Mason University study found that mental illness is a significant predictor of veteran suicide, while social determinants of health can predict but not cause it. The study used EHR data from over five million veterans and recommends focusing on medical issues such as antidepressant use to improve risk modification efforts.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has been chosen to coordinate a regional effort to address farmer and rancher stress in the South. The three-year project aims to provide stress management assistance for people in farming, ranching, and other agriculture-related occupations as well as their families.
A recent study published in CANCER journal reveals that childhood cancer survivors have a similar risk of suicidal thoughts to the general population. Financial stress, depression, and anxiety were found to be linked with higher likelihoods among survivors.
A study found that Instagram users posting self-harm content use ambiguous hashtags to avoid detection, creating online communities for those seeking support. The prevalence and impact of such content remain unknown, with some research suggesting potential benefits from supportive interactions and others highlighting risks of normaliza...
A new report highlights the need for ethical guidance in responding to high local rates of suicide risk discovered through anonymous student health surveys. CU researchers urge national public health and education associations to produce clear guidelines for surveyors, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention and support.
Between 2000 and 2017, the US experienced a significant increase in premature deaths due to drug poisonings, suicide, and alcohol-induced causes. The study found that geographic areas and demographic characteristics played a crucial role in understanding these changes.
A recent observational study found that US veterans who transitioned from active military service to civilian life were at a higher risk of suicide, with depression and PTSD being key factors. The study also identified other demographic and military service characteristics associated with increased suicide risk.
Research suggests that media portrayals of suicide can increase suicidal ideation and behavior if not done sensitively, but also highlight the potential for positive outcomes when portrayed in a supportive manner. Filmmakers have a significant responsibility to ensure their content does not harm viewers, particularly those with a histo...
A new study from Duke University Medical Center finds that financial strains such as high debt, low income, and unemployment are associated with an increased risk of suicide attempts. The study, conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the need to consider financial stressors in mental health interventions.
A study published in The BMJ found that workers exposed to sexual harassment in their workplace are at greater risk of suicide and attempting suicide. Workplace interventions focusing on the social side of the work environment could help reduce suicide rates.
A new statewide initiative aims to provide emergency expansion of mental health care across Colorado, focusing on suicide prevention and addressing the unique challenges faced by communities at high risk. The program, supported by a $800,000 grant, will train providers in evidence-based practices and promote protective factors.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that states with handgun purchaser licensing laws had lower firearm homicide and suicide rates. Connecticut's law, enacted in 1995, was associated with a 28% decrease in firearm homicides and a 33% decrease in firearm suicides.
The OU Health Sciences Center will expand a national program dedicated to suicide prevention with a $38 million five-year grant. The program aims to address workforce development, education, evidence-based prevention strategies, and public awareness to help people at risk of suicide. Key findings include increased focus on culturally r...
Two studies reveal a compelling story about racial discrimination and its link to suicide. Racial discrimination is found to be uniquely painful for Black adults, increasing their capability for self-harm. Reframing, such as dispositional forgiveness, can serve as a helpful coping strategy associated with fewer depressive symptoms.
Research by University of Arkansas sociologists found increased levels of depression, anxiety and suicidal tendencies during the early months of COVID-19's spread. Fear was identified as a key predictor of mental health outcomes, with higher concentrations of confirmed cases and death rates associated with increased individual fear.
Researchers found a sharp increase in Google searches for financial distress and disaster relief during the early months of the pandemic, while searches for related to suicide decreased. The study suggests that financial stress may predict a future increase in deaths from suicide.
New research from UBC shows that supportive communities and a progressive political climate can help mitigate the effects of stigma on mental health among LGBTQ youth. The study found that lesbian and bisexual girls in communities with more supportive events and services were less likely to experience suicidal thoughts or self-harm.
A new study found that geographical areas with high levels of lithium in public drinking water had correspondingly lower suicide rates. Lithium, known for its anti-suicidal effect, is widely used as a medication for mood disorders and has potential preventative use to combat dementia.
A recent study found a significant increase in the number and rate of suicide-related calls to US Poison Control Centers involving over-the-counter analgesics. The trend was driven by increasing exposures among 6-19-year-old females, with children aged 6-19 accounting for half of all cases.
Restricting handgun sales to those aged 21 could save hundreds of young lives each year in the US, say researchers. State policies with a minimum age of 18 were linked to increased suicide rates among adolescents.