Research on suicide risk and prevention. Covers screening and skills programs, youth emergency visits, and neighborhood risk factors.
A review of 131 studies covering 12,000 people identified two brain networks that appear to play an important role in increasing suicide risk. These networks involve the medial and lateral ventral prefrontal cortex and the dorsal prefrontal cortex and inferior frontal gyrus system.
A nationwide population-based study found that firearms are the most lethal method for suicide, with nearly 9 out of 10 attempts being fatal. The overall fatality rate for suicide attempts nationwide is 1 out of 12. The study suggests that prevention efforts focused on reducing access to firearms could save lives.
Researchers have identified two brain networks that interact to increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These networks involve alterations in structure, function, or biochemistry that lead to excessive negative thoughts and difficulties regulating emotions.
A new study from iPSYCH found that one in five people with depression have suicidal thoughts despite treatment with antidepressants. The researchers suggest that more intensive treatment could lead to better responses in patients who don't respond to medication within the first few weeks.
Research at University of Texas Health Science Center links concussions in high school students to depression and suicidal thoughts. The study reveals teenage males with concussion history are twice as likely to attempt suicide, while females have greater odds of reporting suicidal ideations.
A novel mental health program, tMHFA, improves teenagers' ability to recognise and support friends at risk of suicide. Researchers found students who participated in the training were 35 times more likely to report adequate suicide first aid than those in a control group.
A new study from Aarhus University found that three common anti-epileptic drugs in Denmark are associated with an increased risk of suicide, but the risk is low and should be balanced against the medicines' beneficial effects. The study identified 40-60 suicides per year among people treated with these drugs.
A new collaborative suicide prevention programme has shown a significant reduction in deaths, from 17%, thanks to swift access to specialist care and telephone follow-ups. The SUPREMOCOL programme addresses key issues, including lack of mental health care visibility and poor communication between healthcare providers.
A 17-year-long observational study of over half a million Danish women found no link between abortion and increased risk of non-fatal suicide attempts. Pre-existing mental health problems were associated with the increased risk, suggesting policies based on this notion are misinformed.
A 16-year observational study found that patients who present to hospital for non-fatal self-harm are at high risk of suicide immediately following discharge. The study highlights the need for comprehensive assessment, safety planning, and early follow-up care to reduce this risk.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is investigating the impact of opioids and sedatives on veteran health, with a focus on reducing overdose and death rates. The study aims to identify effective treatment strategies for co-prescribing these medications, which have been linked to increased risks of respiratory depression and suicide.
A study of health survey data collected from over 24,000 Canadians found that people with PTSD who use cannabis are less likely to suffer from severe depression and suicidal thoughts. The research, published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, is promising and merits further study.
A new study from UChicago identifies 44 drugs that may prevent suicide attempts, including folic acid and several antidepressants. The research used a statistical tool to analyze data on 922 prescription medications and found that just 10 were associated with an increased rate of suicide attempts.
Youth who self-harmed were five times more likely to have repeat visits to the emergency department and eight times more likely to die from suicide than their non-self-harming peers. Serious mental conditions, including anxiety and substance abuse issues, were common among adolescents with recurrent self-harm hospitalizations.
A recent study found that teens who visit emergency departments for self-harm are five times more likely to have repeat visits and three times more likely to die from any cause compared to non-self-harming youth. The study also reveals that these adolescents incur significantly higher health costs over the following five years.
A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that media coverage of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain's suicides did not always follow best practices, increasing the risk of contagion among vulnerable individuals. The study highlights the importance of following suicide reporting guidelines to reduce this risk.
A two-minute questionnaire has been shown to identify over 2,000 patients who may benefit from mental health treatment and resources. The tool, known as the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ), was implemented in pediatric ERs six years ago and has since become a standard of care.
A new U-M study found that various forms of discrimination are associated with increased rates of depression and suicidal thoughts among African American men. The researchers suggest that expanding current mental health interventions to include culturally relevant suicide prevention resources may be a viable option.
The Endocrine Society calls for evidence-based approaches to transgender healthcare, citing the risks of denying care. The organization's Clinical Practice Guideline recommends avoiding hormone therapy for transgender children prior to puberty.
A new study by the University of Cambridge found that people with a higher genetic likelihood of autism are more likely to experience childhood maltreatment, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. The study suggests that individuals with a high number of autistic traits may be vulnerable to adverse outcomes without adequate support.
Research suggests that counties with high poverty levels have a 37% higher rate of child suicides compared to the least impoverished counties. The association is particularly pronounced for firearm suicides. To address this issue, experts recommend safe gun storage and open communication with children about mental health and suicide.
A study by JAMA Network found a potential association between ACE inhibitors and ARBs and an increased risk of suicide among individuals with hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. The observational study analyzed data from over 200,000 patients to identify any possible links between these medications and suicidal behavior.
A recent study published in Injury Prevention described a method for categorizing self-injury mortality, allowing closer examination of national trends in suicide and drug-related deaths. The study found that suicide is likely underreported for females due to less violent and less obvious methods.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that self-reported suicide attempts are increasing among Black teenagers, even as they decline in other racial and ethnic groups. The study also revealed a significant increase in injuries from suicide attempts among Black male teenagers.
A new study found that 58% of suicide deaths and 45% of non-fatal suicidal behaviors in low- and middle-income countries are linked to psychiatric disorders. The research suggests a wider approach is needed beyond just treating psychiatric illness to prevent suicidal behavior.
Researchers have identified brain circuitry differences associated with suicidal behavior in individuals with mood disorders. The study found that those with a history of suicide attempts showed less connectivity in the cognitive control network and between it and the default mode network.
Researchers at the University of Warwick found that children who were bullied by siblings and peers had a higher risk of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and self-harm in adulthood. Sibling bullying was particularly associated with increased odds of developing clinical depression and considering suicide.
A WVU-led study found an uptick in suicides and fatal drug overdoses among black and Hispanic individuals, as well as women. The research, published in Injury Prevention, suggests that self-injury mortality should be reported alongside detected suicides.
People with low intelligence scores are at a higher risk of suicide and attempted suicide later in life. The study found that the association between suicidal behavior and emotional control develops over time, with men with low IQ remaining vulnerable throughout their lives.
A new study reveals a sharp rise in US firearm deaths across most states and demographics between 1999-2017. The majority of states saw firearm mortality rates increase by more than 20%, while Hispanic whites were the only racial/ethnic group to see reductions.
A new study published in Health Affairs found a 10% increase in behavioral health workforce jobs is associated with a 1.2% decrease in firearm suicide rates. The researchers suggest that investing in gun safety initiatives may be more effective in reducing suicides, highlighting the need for additional measures to curb gun-related deaths.
A study from Nationwide Children's Hospital finds rural areas have a higher rate of reported cases, particularly during school months. Common medications such as OTC analgesics are involved in these incidents, emphasizing the importance of safe storage and supervision.
A study found that patients with severe insomnia who took a sedative-hypnotic sleep aid showed significant improvement in reported insomnia severity and reduced suicidal thinking. The treatment was particularly effective in reducing suicidal thoughts in patients with the most severe insomnia.
A new study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln reveals that nearly 40% of Americans report politics as a source of stress, with one in five experiencing lost sleep. The research also found that exposure to media promoting opposing views can drive individuals crazy and damage friendships.
Patients with type 1 diabetes who experience hospitalizations for ketoacidosis or hyperglycemic comas have an increased risk of subsequent suicidal attempts. The risk is strongly associated, with a threefold increased risk for those with multiple hyperglycemic coma hospitalizations.
A University of Bristol researcher has received a De Leo Fund Award for her outstanding work on suicide prevention in low- and middle-income countries, where 79% of global suicide deaths occur. Her research focuses on understanding the most effective methods of preventing suicidal behavior in these regions.
Researchers found that depression is not a significant predictor of suicide attempts among certain racial and ethnic groups, highlighting the need for tailored risk profiles. Protective factors like religiosity among black adults may also play a role in reducing suicidal thoughts.
This study analyzed US youth suicide rates from 1999 to 2017, adjusting for differences in age and year of birth. The results show increased adjusted rates among females, while males showed a more modest increase, with significant variability in mortality rates over the period.
A study of nearly 28,000 transgender adults found that exposure to gender identity conversion efforts was associated with severe psychological distress and prior suicide attempts. The study suggests that avoiding conversion therapy is crucial for preventing adverse mental health outcomes in children and adults.
A new study found that high schools with strong student-adult relationships and social networks have lower rates of suicide attempts. The research suggests that trusted adults and peers can help prevent suicide by strengthening protective relationships on a school-level.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that rural residents in the US are disproportionately affected by suicide, with socioeconomic deprivation being a significant factor. The researchers suggest that improving access to mental healthcare and reducing social isolation may help mitigate this issue.
A new study finds that US suicide rates have jumped 41% since 1999, with rural areas bearing the brunt. Factors contributing to higher rates include lack of insurance, gun shop density, poverty, and low social connections.
A study analyzed 453,577 US suicides between 1999 and 2016, finding patterns at the county level. The research also uncovered associated geographic and community-level factors contributing to suicide rates.
A systematic review found moderate-strength evidence supporting face-to-face CBT in reducing suicidal ideation, as well as low-strength evidence suggesting DBT's effectiveness. Pharmaceutical treatments like ketamine and lithium showed promise in reducing suicidal ideation and suicide rates, respectively.
A new study led by Penn State researchers found that people with restless legs syndrome (RLS) have a nearly tripled risk of suicide or self-harm. Despite controlling for factors such as depression and insomnia, the study suggests that RLS may be an independent variable contributing to these mental health issues.
Researchers have discovered common ways human and plant cells bring about cell suicide, which may lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. The study found that a particular protein plays a crucial role in the breakdown of brain cells across different diseases, paving the way for potential drugs.
A Swedish study found that children with early onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders and attempting suicide compared to the general population. The study analyzed data from national registers and controlled for various factors.
A University of Utah study found that nearly two-thirds of military suicides occur at home using a firearm. Safe gun storage practices can reduce firearms suicides by up to half, according to the research.
A global study found that bullying victimization is associated with a three-fold increased risk of suicide attempts among young adolescents. The study, which analyzed data from 48 countries, also found that the duration and frequency of bullying are key factors in predicting suicidal behavior.
A new study reveals that up to 47.5% of patients who face life-threatening risks, such as domestic violence or depression, do not disclose this information to care providers. This phenomenon is linked to discomfort and a lack of trust between patients and providers.
Research highlights the risk of depression, anxiety, and suicide among veterinarians due to animal suffering and economic challenges. Integrating well-being education into veterinary curricula is proposed to address this issue.
A new University of Washington study finds that firearm retailers are willing to learn about suicide prevention and train their employees to spot warning signs. However, a lack of awareness and reluctance to discuss personal issues inhibit greater progress in suicide prevention.
A nationwide study in Taiwan found that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be associated with a higher risk of death from injury causes. The study, which included nearly 276,000 patients with ADHD and nearly 2 million individuals without, found no increased risk of natural-cause death between the two groups.
A study of over 1.4 million military veterans found that those with moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) are more likely to die by suicide, with a significant increase in firearm use as a means of suicide. The researchers emphasize the importance of screening for lifetime history of TBI to prevent future deaths by suicide.
A new study finds that patients with tinnitus and hyperacusis who had a history of parental mental illness in childhood are more likely to experience suicidal and self-harm ideations. Researchers recommend screening for these risks, especially in patients with depression.
A new Canadian study found that food insecurity and lack of a high school degree are significant impediments to recovery from suicidal ideation. Conversely, individuals with social support, knowledge of their ancestral language, and education were less likely to have experienced suicidal thoughts in the past year.
Researchers found clinically relevant disease in 14% of patients with major depressive disorder, insomnia and suicidal thoughts. Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea may improve symptoms of depression, suggesting comprehensive screening for the sleep problem should be included for treatment-resistant depression.
A Boston University study found that serious workplace injuries significantly increase the risk of suicide and overdose death, especially among women. The research suggests that improved pain treatment and substance use disorder treatment may help reduce mortality rates from workplace injuries.
A new study found that more than one-third of low-income pregnant women who reported suicidal thoughts did not have elevated levels of depression. The researchers suggest using instruments to screen for suicidal ideation as well, as it is a significant risk factor for suicide attempts.
A study by Universitat Rovira i Virgili found that 16-18% of preadolescents have suicidal ideas, with a higher risk in boys. Factors such as depressive symptoms and anxiety in girls contributed to this risk. The research aims to help control and prevent suicidal ideation in preadolescents.