Research on suicide risk and prevention. Covers screening and skills programs, youth emergency visits, and neighborhood risk factors.
A new study found that despite high engagement with media coverage of Demi Lovato's overdose, few Americans mentioned the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) national helpline. The study analyzed news reports, tweets, and searches following Lovato's hospitalization in 2018 and Anthony Bourdain's suicide i...
Research reveals that children who experience physical, sexual, and emotional abuse are at least two to three times more likely to attempt suicide as adults. The study also found that people not in contact with mental health clinicians face the highest level of risk.
A new study published in CANCER found that suicide risk increases significantly in the first year following a cancer diagnosis, with the highest increase seen for pancreatic and lung cancers. The study's authors emphasize the importance of screening for suicide risk and providing social and emotional support to newly diagnosed patients.
A study suggests introducing gun safety into healthcare providers' checklists can prevent teen suicide. Researchers found support for promoting firearm safety in pediatric primary care as a universal suicide prevention strategy.
A new review by Michigan Medicine researchers shows that opioids are a key contributor to the rise in suicides and drug overdoses in the US. The study calls for improvements in pain care, mental health care, and medication-assisted opioid addiction care to reverse this deadly trend.
A new report provides guidance on how hospitals can implement universal suicide risk screening of youth in medical settings, using a 3-tiered clinical pathway system. The ASQ tool is used as the first screen, followed by a brief safety assessment and a comprehensive evaluation if necessary.
A team of researchers at Nagoya University has discovered a highly potent and selective molecule, SPL7, that can induce suicidal germination in Striga seeds, allowing for effective control over the parasitic weed. This breakthrough could alleviate Striga infestation and save crop losses worth billions of US dollars every year.
A strong committed relationship provides a critical sense of belonging and motivation for living, buffering the risk of suicide among National Guard members. The study found that higher couple satisfaction reduces the association between mental health symptoms and suicide risk.
A new study identifies medical conditions that increase the risk of self-directed violence among teens and young adults visiting emergency departments. These conditions include epilepsy, seizures, multiple pain visits, syncope, vomiting, and dental complaints, highlighting the importance of EDs in suicide prevention.
A recent study published in JAMA Dermatology found a significant association between eczema and suicidal thoughts or attempts. The research, analyzing data from over 310,000 patients with eczema and 4.4 million without, suggests individuals with eczema are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and attempts compared to those without.
Veterans in mental health care support measures to address firearm access, such as screening by clinicians and gun locks. The VA could consider working with veterans to develop and implement these programs to prevent suicide.
A study of 4,843 UK adolescents found that those identifying as sexual minorities experienced more depressive symptoms and self-harm than their heterosexual peers, starting at age 10. Depressive symptoms declined from age 18, but this decline was not seen in all groups.
The study found that over half (55.3%) of the 365 victims had consumed alcohol or drugs shortly before their death, with a high prevalence of cocaine and cannabis use. This correlation suggests a significant link between substance use and violent deaths in São Paulo City.
A recent study found that gun violence has a disproportionately high impact on black Americans, with their lives shortened by nearly twice as much as those of white Americans. The study, which analyzed data from 2000 to 2016, also found that firearm suicides and assaults contributed to this disparity.
Research from RCSI found that one quarter of individuals who attempted or died by suicide had problems with basic sensory experiences, such as hearing or seeing things that aren't real. This dysfunction can predict suicidal behavior and offers new avenues for treatment and suicide prevention.
A new Veterans Affairs study found that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with a history of repeated traumatic brain injuries are at much greater risk for recent suicidal ideation compared to those with one TBI or none. The researchers identified poor sleep quality and depression as key risk factors for suicidal thinking.
Researchers at Lancaster University and other institutions found LGB students are more likely to experience self-harm and suicidal thoughts due to low self-esteem. The study highlights the need for targeted support and prevention efforts in universities and public policy to address discrimination and improve acceptance of LGB individuals.
A Michigan Medicine study finds that nearly half of suicidal adolescents who watched Netflix's '13 Reasons Why' reported an increased suicide risk, highlighting the need for parental vigilance and tailored prevention programming. The majority of teens who discussed their reactions with peers did so without a parent's involvement.
A small pilot study found that prazosin, commonly used to treat high blood pressure and PTSD-related sleep problems, may actually worsen nightmares and insomnia in PTSD patients, rather than reducing suicidal thoughts. The study, led by Dr. W. Vaughn McCall, involved 20 seriously psychiatrically ill patients with active suicidal thoughts.
Researchers at University of Utah Health identified four gene changes linked to increased suicide risk in high-risk families. These findings may lead to new treatments for those who suffer from mental health issues.
A new report calls on the UK government to redesign health policies for men, taking into account their unique experiences in the workplace. The report highlights the need for targeted marketing campaigns and out-of-hours services to reach men at risk of poor physical and mental health.
A UMass Amherst-led research team is using a 'community mobilization' approach to reduce Alaska Native youth suicide rates by promoting community conversations and increasing safety. The PC CARES program has shown promising results, with participants learning skills and taking actions for prevention.
A new study found that nearly half of black teenagers surveyed reported losing a friend or family member to murder, associated with higher suicide attempts. The research highlights the ripple effects of traumatic loss on young people and communities.
A new study found that teenage girls who engage in serious forms of self-harm show brain features similar to those seen in adults with borderline personality disorder. The research highlights the need for prevention and early intervention in those at high risk of suicide.
A large study found that people who experience major injuries requiring hospital admission are at substantially increased risk of being admitted for mental health disorders. The study also revealed a higher risk of suicide among these patients, with 70 suicides per 100,000 patients per year compared to the general population.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 studies involving over 700,000 patients with concussions or mild traumatic brain injury found a significant association between the two conditions and an increased risk of suicide. However, the absolute risk was small due to the low mortality rate among these patients.
A study by CU Anschutz found a significant association between prescribed access to psychotropic drugs and their use in attempted suicides. The researchers investigated 27,876 people who attempted suicide at least once and found that 70% of those using psychotropic drugs had prescribed access.
A comprehensive Australian study examined the global impact of suicide prevention approaches in young people and found that youth-specific interventions can be effective in reducing self-harm and suicidal thinking. The study highlights the importance of investing in evidence-based interventions and identifying gaps in current approaches.
Researchers found that previously jailed veterans are 3-5 times more likely to attempt suicide compared to their peers, regardless of age or additional risk factors. This is due to reduced social connections and increased stigma upon release from prison.
A new study finds that suicide is twice as common as homicide in the US, but most Americans don't know it. The research suggests that public perceptions are skewed by media and entertainment portrayals of gun violence, leading to a gap between reality and informed discussion.
Head and neck cancer survivors are at a higher risk of death by suicide, with the rate being two times that of other cancer survivors and four times that of the general population. The study found that approximately one-half of head and neck cancer survivors become functionally disabled after completing treatment.
Researchers found that maltreated teen girls are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts due to poor mother-daughter relationships and high levels of conflict. The study, published in the journal Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, highlights the importance of relationship-based interventions for vulnerable youths.
A global report confirms that tough gun laws in Australia and other countries have led to a significant decrease in firearm deaths, particularly suicides. The study found that the Australian National Firearms Agreement has been closely linked to this decline, with other countries showing similar results.
A study of 17,608 US adults aged 50+ found that past-year misuse of prescription opioids or benzodiazepines was associated with increased odds of suicidal ideation. Misuse of both medication classes was linked to a significantly higher risk of suicidal thoughts.
A new Australian study found that young men who conform to traditional definitions of manhood, dubbed 'the man box,' are more likely to experience poor mental health, engage in binge drinking and traffic accidents, and be involved in physical bullying and violence. The study suggests that promoting positive alternatives to the Man Box ...
A new study found that older people who harm themselves are 20 times more likely to die an unnatural death and 145 times more likely to die by suicide than peers. Only 12% had prior mental health service referrals, highlighting the need for early intervention.
Older adults who self-harm are at higher risk of dying from unnatural causes, including suicide. A large observational study found that nearly 90% were not referred for specialist mental health assessment after visiting their GP.
A study of 44,555 veterans found that long-term benzodiazepine use in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may increase suicide risk. Short-term use was associated with increased mortality.
Researchers found that information on support services was significantly more likely to be displayed in English-speaking countries. The study uncovered striking differences not only between countries but also within countries with multiple officially recognized languages.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that sexual minority adolescents are at a greater risk of attempted suicide compared to their heterosexual peers. The study estimated over 2.3 million heterosexual and 113,468 sexual minority adolescents from 35 studies conducted in 10 countries.
A Mayo Clinic study found that firearms were involved in 85% of first-time youth suicides, resulting in high lethality rates. The study also revealed that prior mental health concerns were absent in 41.2% of youth index attempters.
The local LGBT community reports twice the number of poor mental health days as the general population, with transgender individuals experiencing even more days. The study found that minority stress, stigma, and lack of access to healthcare contribute to these poorer health outcomes.
Researchers at Aarhus University found that patients who received talk therapy shortly after a relative's death had a lower risk of suicide and psychiatric illness. The study, which analyzed health data from over 200,000 Danes, suggests that early intervention can prevent serious psychiatric events.
Fibromyalgia patients who regularly visit their physicians are much less likely to attempt suicide than those who do not. Regular care engagement is key in managing the disorder and reducing risk of suicide. The study suggests connecting patients at-risk with outpatient providers can improve care and reduce suicidal risk.
A recent UA study found that Arizona EMTs have a 39% greater risk of suicide compared to the general public. The study's authors aim to address this issue by developing educational resources and resiliency training programs for EMTs. Their efforts hope to minimize the risks associated with EMS service and support community heroes in need.
A new study from the University of Arizona found that transmasculine adolescents and nonbinary teens are at the greatest risk for attempting suicide. The research highlights the need for targeted suicide-prevention efforts, particularly among these vulnerable groups.
Researchers found that nearly 9% of people who died by suicide in 18 states between 2003 and 2014 had chronic pain documented in their incident records. Chronic pain was associated with risk factors for suicide, but previous studies primarily examined nonfatal suicidal behaviors.
A $3.8 million NIMH grant will support the development of a predictive model that uses machine learning techniques to identify neural signatures of suicidal ideation and behavior. This technology has the potential to improve clinicians' ability to detect and treat suicidal patients, reducing suicide risk among young adults in the US.
A recent study of 9,650 US soldiers who attempted suicide reveals that nearly one-third had no prior mental health diagnosis. Risk factors for attempting suicide were similar across both groups, but being in the first year of service and certain sociodemographic characteristics increased the risk in soldiers without a prior diagnosis.
A new study reveals that six countries in the Americas - Brazil, the US, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, and Guatemala - accounted for over half of all firearm-related deaths in 2016. The study found that global firearm-related deaths exceeded conflict and terrorism deaths every year from 1990 to 2016, except for 1994.
A study by McLean Hospital calls for a unified approach to preventing suicides and other self-injury deaths. Researchers found that the estimated mortality rate from self-injury surpassed diabetes, prompting experts to emphasize the need for more effective prevention strategies.
Deaths from drug overdose and suicide in the US have surpassed those from diabetes, with rates increasing by 80% between 2000 and 2016. Researchers urge national initiatives to tackle common factors behind 'self-injury', citing trauma, adversity, and mental health issues as key drivers.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that nearly 1 in 3 US veterans who own firearms store at least one loaded gun unlocked. This practice contributes to heightened suicide risk among vulnerable individuals who perceive firearms as a means of protection.
Researchers at Kaiser Permanente are conducting a three-year study to examine the role of opioid use in suicide risk and develop better tools for clinicians. The study aims to improve powerful prediction models that can identify patients at high risk for suicide.
A Danish national register study found a higher risk of suicide among those with traumatic brain injury (TBI) compared to the general population. The risk was particularly high among those with severe TBI, multiple medical contacts, and longer hospital stays.
Researchers found that the anonymous forum provides a safe space for men to express emotions and connect with others who have experienced similar struggles. The study suggests that this online platform can help address the unique challenges faced by males in seeking mental health support.
A study by Northwestern University found that when a teenager's depression improved through treatment, their parent's depression also decreased. The research suggests that clinicians should assess a parent's level of depression when treating their child and provide appropriate referrals.
A large-scale patient population study reveals that palliative care is associated with a significantly reduced risk of suicide in veterans diagnosed with advanced stage lung cancer. The findings show that patients who received at least one palliative care visit had an 81% lower rate of suicidal death.
A new study reveals that parents' strong religious beliefs are associated with a lower risk of suicidal behavior in their children. The research analyzed data from 214 children and found that higher parental religiosity was linked to lower rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
A recent study found a disturbing increase in violent and unintentional injuries in the US, reversing positive trends from the 1980s and 1990s. The study, published in JAMA Surgery, examined injury data between 2000 and 2016 and found that injury remains a leading cause of death in the nation.