Research on suicide risk and prevention. Covers screening and skills programs, youth emergency visits, and neighborhood risk factors.
A recent study published in Epilepsy and Behavior found that individuals with epilepsy have a higher annual suicide mortality rate of 22% compared to the general population. The study also revealed specific risk factors, such as increased likelihood of dying from poisoning or using residential locations for suicides.
Researchers at the University of Basel have identified a protein called gasdermin D that drives immune cells to pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death. This process allows macrophages to burst open and expose pathogens, which can then be targeted by the immune system.
A new study by RAND Corporation recommends that suicide prevention hotlines expand their digital services, such as chat services, to better reach users. The study also suggests integrating these hotlines into existing healthcare systems to improve caller connections and resources.
A new study by CDC finds that individuals with epilepsy have a 22% higher suicide rate compared to the general population. The study analyzed data from the US National Violent Death Reporting System and found that 17 out of 100,000 people with epilepsy died from suicide each year.
A new study from the University of Manchester found that suicide deaths by mental health patients are lower at the weekends, contradicting previous government claims. The study analysed 5,613 suicide deaths between 2001 and 2013 and found a reduced risk in all groups, including those admitted at the weekend.
A comprehensive review found that euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide are legal in several countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, and Canada. However, their use remains relatively rare, primarily among patients with cancer. Public support for these practices varies across regions, with strong backing in Western Europe but...
Women who attended religious services had a lower risk of suicide compared to those who never attended. The study, which analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study, found that regular attendance was associated with a five times lower risk of subsequent suicide.
A recent University of Toronto study found that individuals with arthritis are more likely to attempt suicide compared to those without the condition. The study also identified childhood adversities such as parental domestic violence and sexual abuse as key risk factors for suicide attempts among adults with arthritis.
Researchers found that alcohol-dependent individuals experience a peak incidence of suicide in the evening hours and a low at dawn. The study suggests that this circadian pattern may help identify patients at higher risk of completing suicide.
A recent Australian study found that no method is reliable for assessing suicide risk in mental health patients. The meta-analysis suggests that traditional approaches may be ineffective and that a more patient-focused approach is needed.
A major international review of suicide prevention has confirmed that restricting access to lethal means and providing Gatekeeper Training can be effective. The study also highlights the importance of follow-up care for individuals who have attempted suicide.
Researchers developed a tablet-based suicide risk assessment tool that performed at a high level, predicting expert psychiatric assessments at between 91-94 percent accuracy. The tool was found to be quick and easy for patients to complete, standardizing risk assessment and helping hospitals meet the Joint Commission mandate.
A comprehensive review of 14 antidepressants found that only fluoxetine was more effective at relieving depression symptoms than placebo. However, the true effectiveness and risk of serious harms remains unclear due to limited clinical trials and selective reporting.
A study of 1.4 million Danish children found that moving to a new home during childhood increases the risk of attempted suicide, violent criminality, and psychiatric illness in adulthood. The research, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, suggests that frequent residential mobility is associated with long-term adve...
A study found that teenage boys and girls close to someone who tried to kill themselves may face a higher rate of risk factors for heart disease in their twenties. Young adult men had higher blood pressure and systemic low-grade inflammation, while young adult women were more likely to be overweight/obese and have high blood pressure.
A study found that Army personnel were most at risk for violent suicide among active duty enlisted service members. Firearms accounted for 62% of suicides with a known cause of death. The results suggest that infantry and special operations job classifications may be more likely to use firearms to commit suicide.
A new study analyzed the gun use, violent crime, and suicide rates of 81,704 people with serious mental illnesses in Florida. The research found that nearly four times the average suicide rate occurred among these individuals, highlighting a significant public health concern.
A new US Army study found that soldiers who never deployed were at greatest risk for suicide attempts, with the highest risk occurring in the second month of service. The study also identified other factors contributing to increased risk, including deployment status, gender, and mental health diagnoses.
A new study found that Canadian military personnel have higher rates of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts compared to civilians. However, they are also more likely to access mental health support.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found that firearm ownership is closely tied to suicide rates, with states having higher gun ownership levels experiencing higher gun-related suicides. The study analyzed 33 years of data and found that firearm ownership explained 71% of the variation in state-level g...
Experts recommend that physicians counsel patients about firearms as part of routine care, focusing on well-being and safety, especially for children. The review paper addresses common misconceptions and provides resources for clinicians and patients to address firearm-related injuries.
A new study finds that family rejection increases the risk of suicide attempts and substance misuse among transgender adults by over 42% and 26%, respectively. The research suggests that family support and acceptance are crucial in mitigating these health outcomes.
A Cochrane Review evaluated the evidence for psychosocial interventions in adults who self-harm. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) was found to be effective in reducing self-harm behaviors and improving emotional well-being. The review included 55 trials with a total of 17,699 participants.
A study of 6,671 individuals found lower rates of self-harm and unintentional injuries among those taking lithium compared to other mood stabilizers. Lithium may reduce impulsive aggression in addition to stabilizing mood.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that repeat ketamine infusions decreased and, for some, eliminated suicidal thoughts in outpatients with treatment-resistant depression. Seven participants achieved complete remission of suicidal thoughts, and two maintained remission throughout the follow-up period.
A Drexel University study found that female bisexual and questioning youth experience high levels of depression, anxiety, and traumatic distress. Gay and bisexual men also exhibit higher scores for depression and traumatic stress.
Research found that hospital self-harm cases increased among men in England between 2000 and 2012. The study also revealed that nearly half of those who went to the hospital for self-inflicted harm did not receive a specialist mental health assessment, despite national guidelines recommending it.
A new study published in the Journal of Public Health found that young gay and bisexual men in the UK are significantly at risk of poor mental health compared to their older counterparts. The research reveals that these men are six times more likely to attempt suicide or self-harm, as well as twice as likely to be depressed or anxious.
New research finds that implementing specialist community services, clinical guidelines, and staff retention improvements led to significant reductions in patient suicide rates. Higher levels of non-medical staff turnover were linked to higher suicide rates.
A recent study found that gang membership is associated with increased levels of depression and suicidal thoughts among middle- and high-school students. The research, conducted by Michigan State University and Bowling Green State University, highlights the negative impact of gang involvement on mental health outcomes.
A new study found that simultaneous cocaine and alcohol use is a red flag for suicide risk, with the risk being 2.4 times higher among those using both substances. The study also showed that substance misuse was less likely an indicator of suicide risk among whites and women, but more likely among older adults.
A study of over 2,000 US veterans found nearly 14% reported suicidal thinking at one or both survey phases, challenging past findings that suggest it's a longer-term problem. Social connectedness was linked to remission, while addressing psychiatric and physical health issues may be more critical for those with chronic suicidal thinking.
Researchers at Indiana University have identified blood-based biomarkers and developed questionnaire-based apps that can help clinicians identify female patients at greatest risk of suicidal ideation or behavior. The study found that these tools were able to predict future instances of suicidal thoughts with high accuracy, suggesting p...
A recent study found that only about half of suicidal patients are questioned about their access to firearms or lethal means by emergency department doctors, leaving a significant opportunity for intervention. Easy access to guns is particularly concerning, with 25% of patients keeping loaded and unlocked guns at home.
A new study reveals a significant link between nightmares and suicidal behaviors, with nightmares acting as a stressor in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study found that 62% of participants who experienced nightmares reported suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts, compared to 20% without nightmares.
A study found that widely used smartphone conversational agents fail to recognize and respond appropriately to sensitive topics like rape, depression, and physical abuse. The authors recommend improving the performance of conversational agents to better support users in need.
A comprehensive study has found that new mothers with postpartum psychiatric disorders are at a four times higher risk of death from natural or unnatural causes compared to those without the disorder. The research highlights the need for medical staff to be aware of the risk and ensure proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent suicide.
A novel psychiatric intervention called Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP) has been shown to reduce the risk of suicide re-attempts by 80% in patients who have attempted suicide. The study found that ASSIP participants experienced a significantly lower rate of repeat attempts compared to those who received standard care.
A study in the Netherlands found that patients with psychiatric disorders who underwent euthanasia or assisted suicide had chronic, severe conditions and histories of attempted suicides and hospitalizations. Most patients were socially isolated or lonely, leading to difficulties in regulating the practice.
A new study by the University of Toronto found that individuals with schizophrenia have a lifetime prevalence of 39.2% for suicide attempts, compared to 2.8% of those without the disorder. Those who experienced childhood physical abuse were five times more likely to attempt suicide.
A new study finds that concussions significantly increase the risk of suicide in adults, with a three-fold risk compared to the general population. The risk is further elevated if the concussion occurred on a weekend, and can be prevented with greater attention from healthcare providers.
Researchers challenge Health Canada's black-box warnings on ADHD medications, citing epidemiological studies showing reduced youth suicide rates with increased medication use. The study suggests that ADHD medications may actually reduce the risk of suicide in adolescents, contradicting previous warnings.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that adolescents who were chronically victimized during school years are five times more likely to think about suicide and six times more likely to attempt it at 15. The research highlights the importance of early interventions to p...
Researchers led by Thomas Joiner theorize that humans exhibit eusocial characteristics, leading to self-sacrificial behaviors. These traits are adaptive in nature but become maladaptive in modern human contexts like suicide.
A systematic review found antidepressants increase aggression and suicidal thoughts in children, with a doubled risk compared to adults. Experts recommend minimal use and alternative treatments like exercise or psychotherapy.
Child abuse exposure higher in Canadian military personnel than the general population, associated with increased odds of suicidal ideation and behaviors. The study suggests prevention efforts targeting child abuse exposure may help reduce suicide-related outcomes in both military and civilian populations.
Research funded by the Medical Research Council found that bereavement by suicide increases the risk of suicide attempt by 65%, with 8% of those affected dropping out of education or work. Support and guidance are available to help those affected navigate their grief.
A new study from the University of Toronto found that nearly 40% of formerly suicidal Canadians reach complete mental health. Social support was identified as a crucial factor in achieving this state, with those having someone to confide in seven times more likely to succeed.
Research suggests that suicidal behavior may be a misguided expression of self-sacrificial tendencies, which are otherwise beneficial in eusocial species. The study identifies parallels between self-sacrifice in non-human species and human suicide, highlighting the importance of addressing underlying misconceptions about one's own value.
A recent study by Colorado State University's Silvia Sara Canetto highlights the link between cultural scripts of masculinity and aging with increased suicide risk among white, older men. These men are less likely to experience widowhood, have better physical health, and more economic resources compared to other demographics.
A new initiative aims to address high suicide rates in three rural Washington counties by providing training and resources for professionals and community members. The Forefront program will focus on creating coalitions, enhancing crisis plans, and offering one-on-one telephone support through the Forefront Cares program.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health report a strong association between new onset epilepsy and increased risk of suicide attempts. The study found that patients with new epilepsy had a nearly two-fold increased risk of recurrent suicide attempt compared to controls.
Researchers have identified a key mechanism in regulating cell survival by controlling mRNA stability, shedding light on programmed cell death mechanisms. The study suggests that the CCR4-NOT complex plays a vital role in maintaining cellular integrity and that its component protein CNOT3 is crucial for cell viability.
A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that a free, web-based cognitive behavioral therapy tool called MoodGYM can reduce suicidal thoughts in interns by nearly four times the normal rate. The tool offers a digital, streamlined form of talk therapy to support mental health.
Research suggests that younger generations in the military are more susceptible to suicidal thoughts due to decreased social integration and behavioral regulation. This trend is linked to changes in values, such as prioritizing fame and wealth over community relations.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that moderate coffee consumption is associated with reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurological diseases. Drinkers of both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee saw benefits, including a lower risk of suicide.
Research finds a 'serious' toll on mental health after introducing tougher disability benefit assessments in England. A higher reassessment rate was linked to more suicides, mental ill health issues, and antidepressant prescribing. The study suggests that the policy may be undermining the mental health of claimants.
Children who experience parental death during childhood are at higher risk of developing preventable social and psychological problems. The absolute risk of suicide was 4 in 1,000 persons for boys and 2 in 1,000 persons for girls.
A recent study found that counties implementing the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Suicide Prevention Program experienced lower rates of suicide attempts among young people aged 16-23. The program's comprehensive activities, including education and mental health awareness, contributed to these findings. The results suggest significant impl...
A new study found that social support, self-acceptance, and access to health care that affirms their gender identity protect transgender adults from attempting suicide. The research also highlights the importance of a harm-reduction approach for healthcare providers in preventing suicidality among this population.