Research published in CMAJ found that payment incentives introduced in Ontario in 2011 did not increase access to care for new patients. Despite a 15% premium and $200 annual fee, psychiatrists showed no significant change in the number of monthly visits for those discharged from hospital or with previous suicide attempts.
A study found that children aged 12-17 are more likely to contemplate, plan, and attempt suicide when parents do not engage in behaviors demonstrating care. Parents can mitigate this risk by expressing pride, helping with homework, and being emotionally engaged.
Researchers found that women with a history of suicide attempts had lower circulating levels of BDNF, a protein critical for neuron function and synaptic activity, compared to those without such a history. This biomarker shows promise in predicting future suicide attempts and may be incorporated into standard blood tests at annual chec...
A recent study found that genetic susceptibility to bipolar disorder increases the risk for suicide attempt, but only among those who have experienced traumatic stress such as bullying, sexual abuse, and domestic violence. The research highlights the importance of environmental stressors in developing suicide attempts in individuals at...
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateDec 4, 2017
Research reveals a concerning relationship between excessive screen time and mental health issues, including depression and suicidal behaviors, particularly among teenage girls. Limiting screen time to an hour or two daily may help reduce the risk of depressive symptoms and suicidal attempts.
Emergency department visits for nonfatal self-inflicted injuries increased significantly among young US females between 2001 and 2015. The rates of these visits rose by 18.8% annually among girls aged 10-14 from 2009 to 2015.
A new study by San Diego State University professor Jean Twenge found that increased screen time is associated with higher symptoms of depression and suicide-related behaviors among American teenagers, particularly girls. Spending more than five hours per day on electronic devices was linked to at least one suicide-related outcome.
A recent study found that poor academic performance at age 16 significantly increases the risk of suicide attempt, with those in the lowest GPA quartile facing a near five-fold higher risk. Researchers followed 26,315 Swedish individuals from age 16 to 46 and controlled for potential confounding factors.
Researchers at Florida State University found a connection between nightmares and self-injurious behavior, such as cutting or burning oneself. The study suggests that nightmares can disrupt emotional regulation, leading to increased risk of self-injury.
A new approach identifies concept alterations associated with suicidal ideation and behavior, using machine-learning algorithms to assess neural representation of specific concepts. The study accurately identified 91% of participants with suicidal tendencies, and 94% of those who had attempted suicide.
A Cochrane review found that mefloquine is at least as effective as other options for preventing malaria, but its psychological side effects outpace those of alternatives. Common symptoms include sleeplessness, abnormal dreams, anxiety, and depression.
A new FAU study reveals nearly 6% of teens anonymously posted mean things about themselves online, with boys more likely to participate than girls. Digital self-harm is linked to depression, suicidal thoughts, and a higher risk of suicide attempts, highlighting the need for social support and clinical intervention.
A new study argues that voluntary stopping of eating and drinking (VSED) is a form of suicide, requiring regulation by physicians. In many cases, patients would need substantial medical assistance to carry out their intention of fasting to death.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that gun-related deaths and injuries in neighboring California spiked by nearly 70 percent after gun shows were held in Nevada. The findings suggest that lack of federal gun legislation reduces the impact of state laws intended to protect citizens from firearm injury and death.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a novel form of cancer therapy using RNA molecules that trigger self-destruction in cancer cells. The mechanism, called DISE, eliminates multiple genes required for cell survival, making cancer cells resistant to treatment.
A pilot case control study found improvements in TBI, PPCS, and PTSD symptoms, brain blood flow, depression, anxiety, and quality of life after HBOT. Significant reductions in suicidal ideation and anxiety were also observed.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that teenage girls are more likely to self-harm than boys, with a sharp rise in self-harm rates among UK girls aged 13-16. The study analyzed data from 16,912 patients and found that girls were nine times more likely to die unnaturally than unaffected children.
A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that older adults are more likely to disclose suicidal thoughts as they age, especially those with chronic pain, diagnosed illness, social isolation, and recent mental health care. Researchers identified four key interventions to prevent suicide among older adults.
A Johns Hopkins study of firearm-related injuries found decreasing incidence in some age groups, increasing trends in others, and higher costs for gunshot wounds. Firearm injuries are also linked to mental health disorders, with attempted suicides having the highest incidence among Medicare enrollees.
A new study from the University of British Columbia has linked lower education and income to higher suicide risks among gay and bisexual men. The research found that these individuals have more than five times the odds of attempting suicide compared to their more advantaged peers.
A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that law enforcement agencies and gun retailers are willing to offer voluntary, temporary storage of guns to prevent suicide. Most people, including health providers, may not know what safe outside-the-home storage is available and what their options are.
Researchers found reduced myelin coating thickness and molecular alterations in brains of adults who experienced severe childhood abuse. These changes may contribute to depressive disorders, suicidal behavior, and altered emotional processing.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry has found a link between brain inflammation and suicidal thinking in patients with major depressive disorder. Researchers at the University of Manchester discovered increased levels of microglial activation in brains of living patients with MDD who were experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Research found that transgender adolescents are up to four times more likely to engage in substance use and nearly double the risk of suicidal thoughts compared to non-transgender peers. School-based victimization and depression were significant factors contributing to these disparities.
The American College of Physicians opposes the legalization of physician-assisted suicide, citing ethical concerns and a focus on improving hospice and palliative care. The organization recommends 12 steps for physicians to provide compassionate supportive care to patients nearing the end of life.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has reaffirmed its opposition to the legalization of physician-assisted suicide, citing ethical and clinical concerns. ACP emphasizes the importance of improving palliative care, including awareness and access, as a more effective approach to end-of-life care.
A NIH study found three interventions in emergency departments save lives and are cost-effective relative to usual care. Postcards, telephone outreach, and cognitive behavioral therapy reduce patients' suicide risk by 30-50% and are cost-effective options.
A study by Columbia University Medical Center found that US suicide attempts have increased, especially among younger, disadvantaged adults with mental health issues. The study also revealed significant risk factors for attempted and completed suicides, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention efforts.
A new study examines suicide attempts among US adults, revealing a disproportionate increase in risk for younger adults with less formal education and those with common personality, mood, and anxiety disorders. The findings highlight the need for targeted clinical and public health focus on these vulnerable groups.
A recent analysis of published studies suggests that self-generated and socially based pressures to be perfect may contribute to suicidal thoughts and attempts. Thirteen perfectionism dimensions had positive relationships with suicidal thoughts, particularly the most pernicious form involving perceived external pressure.
A study published in JAACAP found that transgender youth in California are at significant risk for suicidal thoughts, with nearly 35% reporting suicidal ideation. The study used statewide representative data and highlights the need for school-based interventions to address victimization and provide access to gender-affirming healthcare.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateSep 5, 2017
A new University of Michigan study found that elderly Chinese-Americans who experience racial discrimination are twice as likely to consider suicide. The study, which examined 3,157 Chicago-area Chinese-American adults aged 60 and older, also highlights the impact of age, loneliness, pain, and depression on suicidal thoughts.
A large international study has found that psychotic experiences in otherwise healthy people are more likely to have later suicidal thoughts or attempts. Children under 12 who experienced psychosis were at even greater risk of suicidal thoughts, with the risk five to six times higher than in other age groups.
A new study published in CMAJ found that maternal suicide is a leading cause of death during pregnancy and the first year after giving birth. The study suggests that perinatal women who are suicidal may be at higher risk to complete suicide, and highlights the need for improved mental health supports.
A new study from the University of Waterloo found that young people with chronic illnesses are three times more likely to attempt suicide than their healthy peers. Chronic conditions increase odds of suicidal thoughts by 28% and plans to die by suicide by 134%.
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.
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.
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...
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.