Articles tagged with Suicide
Suicide rates in rural areas of Maryland are 35% higher than urban settings, driven by significantly greater use of firearms. Removing firearms from the equation reveals comparable suicide rates between rural and urban areas.
Researchers have developed a more precise way of diagnosing suicide risk by identifying biomarkers in blood that change in concert with changes in suicidal thoughts. A refined set of biomarkers applies universally to predict risk of suicide among both male and female patients, while others are specific to diagnoses and genders.
A randomized trial in Sri Lanka found that secure storage of pesticides had no impact on rates of self-poisoning or suicide. A review of global policies concluded that bans are the most effective way to reduce pesticide-related suicides. Secure storage is not a sufficient solution to this public health problem.
Two studies in The Lancet and The Lancet Global Health journals found that secure storage has no impact on rates of self-poisoning or suicide, and that national bans are the most effective way to reduce pesticide-related suicides. Improved storage measures were not found to reduce self-poisoning rates.
A meta-analysis of nearly 200 studies involving over 230,000 adults found a significant association between sexual assault and increased risk of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The study suggests that sexual assault survivors are at higher risk of mental health problems regardle...
A study of older adults seen in emergency departments found that nearly half had visited an ED before their death, yet many did not receive mental health evaluation or treatment. The researchers concluded that improving responses to suicide risk detection and treatment for older adults are crucial to reducing deaths from suicide among ...
The study reveals a sharp increase in non-communicable diseases and mental health conditions, with depression and anxiety disorders affecting women more than men. Mental disorders contribute to nearly 11 million years lived in less than ideal health, exacerbating the problem by lack of mental health practitioners and funding.
A new study found that Netflix's '13 Reasons Why' corresponded with a substantial increase in internet searches for suicide, including phrases like 'how to commit suicide' and 'suicide prevention'. The study suggests that the show may have inspired some viewers to act on their suicidal thoughts.
A study by Oregon State University found that gun owners are more likely to engage in gun safety behaviors when given culturally tailored suicide prevention messages. The research suggests that messaging should respect the values and rights of gun owners, rather than using language that may inadvertently promote anti-firearm bias. Cult...
Researchers found that internet search volumes for suicide increased by 19% after the series release, with 17 of 20 common queries showing higher-than-expected increases. Searches focused on suicidal ideation, such as 'how to commit suicide,' were particularly concerning.
A new study by the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences found that U.S. Army soldiers who attempt suicide are more likely to do so again if their unit has a history of similar attempts. The study's results suggest that early postvention efforts can help prevent future suicide attempts.
A University of Guelph-Humber funded study found that a strong ethno-cultural identity and connection to the land are significant factors in positive mental health outcomes. The Cree community showed lower rates of depression, suicide, and mental illness despite shared history of trauma.
A new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that drug-related deaths have skyrocketed among middle-aged white men, increasing by over 25-fold between 1980 and 2014. The researchers argue that economic insecurities and an 'obesogenic' environment are contributing factors, rather than 'despair deaths'.
A study from the University of Washington found that only about three in five US firearm owners have received formal gun training, with notable gaps in content, particularly on warning signs of suicide. The lack of standardization and education on suicide prevention in firearm trainings has significant implications for public health.
A new study in Biological Psychiatry found that people with Tourette's disorder and chronic tic disorder are over four times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. Persistent tics into adulthood were a strong predictor of suicide risk, with patients nearly four times more likely to attempt suicide.
Researchers found that generic drug prices rose significantly when market competition decreased, particularly in lower-priced drugs. The study suggests understanding the connection between competition and price may help identify older prescription drugs at higher risk for price changes in the future.
New research by Michigan State University scholar Ning Hsieh finds that religious participation is related to higher suicide rates in Southern Europe, Western Europe, and East Asia. In contrast, countries in the English-speaking region, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Northern Europe have seen protective effects of religious partici...
Katie Lewis, PhD, has been awarded the prestigious Robert S. Wallerstein Fellowship to investigate how daily interpersonal interactions influence suicidal thoughts and urges. Her research aims to identify pathways leading to heightened risk for suicide through analysis of personal historical details and daily interactions.
A Stanford study found that sleep disturbances in young adults can warn of worsening suicidal thoughts, even when controlling for depression severity. Participants with varying sleep patterns reported more insomnia and nightmares, which independently predicted increased suicidal behaviors.
A new study found that women with learning disabilities had a lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts 16.6% compared to 3.3% for those without learning disabilities. Chronic parental domestic violence and childhood sexual abuse increased the risk of suicide attempts among men and women with learning disabilities.
A University of Alberta pilot program taught important lessons in maintaining good mental health to over 6,000 youth in Red Deer schools. The EMPATHY program significantly lessened cases of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
A systematic review found no definitive standard for identifying veterans at risk of suicidal behavior, nor a clear standard of treatment to prevent suicide. Several promising approaches were identified, including screening methods with fair accuracy and interventions like restricting access to lethal means.
A new statistical analysis rebuts a previous study claiming a link between declining inpatient beds and increased suicide rates. The authors suggest focusing on proper diagnosis and treatment of depression and training primary care physicians to screen patients for mental health care.
The UAF Institute of Arctic Biology and College of Rural and Community Development received a five-year, $4.25 million grant to establish the Alaska Native Collaborative Hub for Research Resilience. This hub will help communities adopt culturally relevant strategies to prevent suicides.
Farmers in the US face unique stressors that increase their risk of suicide, including physical isolation and lack of mental health care resources in rural areas. The study found that farmers are more likely to commit suicide during economic crises or extreme weather periods.
A new study found that 17 physical health conditions are associated with an increased risk of suicide, with traumatic brain injury and sleep disorders representing a greater than twofold increase. Targeted interventions in primary care and specialty care may be key to preventing suicides.
Researchers found that insomnia is three times more likely to report thoughts of suicide and death among U.S. Army servicemembers compared to those without the condition. Insomnia was a significant predictor for suicidality, with wakefulness at night associated with increased suicidal ideation.
The European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care debates physician-assisted suicide, with advocates arguing for respect for autonomy and compassion. The opposition emphasizes the importance of preserving dignity and the value of human life, regardless of suffering or burden to others.
Patients discharged from psychiatric facilities face a marked risk of suicide in the immediate period and for years afterward. The study's findings suggest that mental health professionals should prioritize post-discharge care to mitigate this risk.
A new study found that children and young people admitted to hospital with injuries related to self-harm, drugs, or alcohol faced an increased risk of killing themselves over the following 10 years. The researchers argue that this risk applies to a larger group of adolescents than previously thought.
A study using data from 1 million adolescents in the UK found that those admitted for alcohol, drug, or violence-related injuries have a higher risk of suicide within 10 years compared to those who self-harmed. The risk is highest among boys and adolescents aged 18-19 with chronic health conditions.
Suicide rates among people with autism in England have reached high levels, according to researchers from Coventry and Newcastle universities. The issue remains poorly understood, and action is urgently needed to help those most at risk.
A study analyzing 3,640,229 patients in the SEER database found that lung cancer diagnoses are associated with a nearly 420% higher suicide rate compared to the general population. The highest suicide risk was observed in lung cancer patients, particularly older individuals, widowed patients, and those with metastatic disease.
A study published at the 2017 Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting found that children's hospital admissions for suicidal thoughts or self-harm more than doubled between 2008 and 2015, with significant increases in all age groups. The study also identified seasonal variations in cases, with most occurring during spring and fall.
A recent meta-analysis found that suicidal thoughts and attempts among transgender adults were significantly higher than in the general public. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to support these at-risk populations. The analysis included data from 42 studies published over 19 years.
A national study found that phone calls to suicidal patients following ED discharge led to a significant reduction in future suicide attempts. The year-long trial, involving 1,376 patients nationwide, provided specialized screening, safety planning guidance and follow-up telephone calls.
A multifaceted intervention lowered the relative risk of new suicide attempts by 20% in emergency department patients who received specialized screening, safety planning guidance, and periodic follow-up phone check-ins. Patients in the intervention group made 30% fewer total suicide attempts compared to those receiving standard ED care.
Exposure to childhood adversities such as parental psychiatric disorder and death in the family increases the risk of suicide in adolescence and young adulthood. A study of 548,721 individuals found that those exposed to two or more adversities had a markedly increased risk of suicide.
The article highlights the link between diabetes and depression, as well as the importance of assessing psychosocial stresses in diabetes management. It also discusses the management goals for patients who engage in self-harming or suicidal behavior, emphasizing the need for frequent glycemic monitoring and a multi-disciplinary approach.
A large-scale study found that people who lose a partner to suicide are at increased risk for cancer, depression, and mood disorders. The risk persists for five years after the loss.
A nationwide study found that people bereaved by spousal suicide had a higher risk of developing mental health disorders, physical disorders, and suicidal behaviors compared to those bereaved by other manners of death. This study highlights the need for proactive outreach and support mechanisms for individuals bereaved by spousal suicide.
A study found that American adults who survive deliberate self-harm are at increased risk of suicide in the following year. Firearm-related self-harm was associated with the highest suicide risk, with males and older, white adults being disproportionately affected.
A population-based study of over 93,000 older men found that using 5α-reductase inhibitors was not associated with an increased risk of suicide. However, risks of self-harm and depression were significantly higher during the first 18 months after medication initiation.
A new study finds that veterans with substance use disorders, especially those who also have mental health conditions, are at a higher risk of suicide. Women veterans with opioid misuses have a particularly high rate of suicide, more than five times that of their peers.
A nationwide analysis suggests same-sex marriage policies were associated with a 7% reduction in suicide attempts among adolescents. Same-sex marriage policies were found to be concentrated among adolescents who were sexual minorities, resulting in over 134,000 fewer adolescents attempting suicide annually.
Research suggests that state-level same-sex marriage policies are associated with a significant reduction in adolescent suicide attempts, particularly among gay, lesbian and bisexual adolescents. The study found a seven percent reduction in suicide attempts among high school students generally.
A multidisciplinary team from Care New England, Brown University, and the University of Michigan will conduct a five-year research study on novel approaches to suicide risk assessment. The study aims to identify how changes in speech patterns relate to changes in suicide risk using smartphone technology.
A new study from the University of Utah's National Center for Veterans Studies found that a simple intervention, crisis response planning, significantly reduced suicide attempts among active-duty soldiers. The study showed a 75% reduction in suicide attempts compared to contracts for safety.
The National Academy of Medicine has launched a wide-ranging initiative to promote clinician well-being and resilience. The collaboration aims to identify priorities and collective efforts to advance evidence-based solutions and promote multidisciplinary approaches to combat burnout, depression, and suicide among healthcare workers.
A new study suggests that nearly a quarter of attempted suicides at metro stations can be identified using real-time CCTV, paving the way for prevention. The researchers found that specific behaviours such as pacing and leaving objects on the platform could indicate suicide risk.
A survey of nearly 1,850 airline pilots found that many are managing depressive symptoms due to fear of stigma and job impact. The study highlights the importance of assessing pilots' mental health and increasing support for preventative treatment.
A Colorado study found that self-harm was the leading cause of pregnancy-associated deaths from 2004 to 2014. Researchers urge more mental health care for new mothers after delivery to reduce such deaths.
A new biomarker associated with an overactive stress system has been found in suicidal individuals, according to a study published in Translational Psychiatry. The biomarker, linked to higher cortisol levels, was discovered in cell-free blood plasma of patients who had attempted suicide.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that nearly 27% of medical students experience depression or depressive symptoms, with only 16% seeking treatment. The study suggests stress and anxiety from medical school may contribute to these mental health issues.
A new study analyzing over 3 million emergency department visits shows that attempted suicide rates and risk groups remain largely unchanged between 2006 and 2013. The majority of those who attempted suicide had a concurrent mental disorder, with males more likely to use violent methods.
A national cohort study found that young cancer survivors (diagnosed before age 25) have a more than two-fold increased risk of suicide compared to their non-cancer peers. The study, led by Maria Winther Gunnes, analyzed data from over 1.2 million people born in Norway between 1965 and 1985.
A new study reveals a sustained reduction in inpatient suicides at VA mental health units from 2000 to 2015, thanks to the Mental Health Environment of Care Checklist. The checklist guides staff in eliminating physical hazards that raise the risk of patient suicide or self-harm.
A comprehensive community-based effort led to a significant drop in suicide rates, with a 38.3% decrease in overall deaths and attempts. The program, developed by the tribe in collaboration with Johns Hopkins researchers, tracks and triages individuals with suicidal thoughts and provides culturally tailored interventions.
A recent study published in Psychological Bulletin found that traditional risk factors, such as depression and substance abuse, are not effective predictors of suicide. The researcher hopes to improve accuracy using artificial intelligence and machine-learning methods.
Researchers found that for every 10-20 instances of temporary gun seizures, one suicide was prevented. The study suggests that risk-based gun removal laws could help identify people at increased risk of violence but without a history of violence.