Research on suicide risk and prevention. Covers screening and skills programs, youth emergency visits, and neighborhood risk factors.
A large group of adults who underwent bariatric surgery showed an increase in self-harm emergencies after the procedure. The study found that nearly all events occurred in patients with a history of mental health disorders, and intentional self-poisoning by medications was the most common mechanism.
Researchers found a 30% higher mortality rate by suicide among those born before the school cutoff day, compared to those born after. This study highlights the importance of policy intervention to alleviate the relative age effect and its impact on future well-being.
A new study by UT Arlington researchers recommends that primary care providers screen teenagers for depression and suicide risk during well visits. The paper highlights the importance of screening tools, such as the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A), to detect mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
A study found that online support forums for people struggling with suicidal thoughts experience a shift in language and behavior after celebrity suicides. Redditors become more inwardly focused, posting about their own life struggles rather than seeking support from others.
A large meta-analysis found that restricting access to means, encouraging help-seeking, and increasing third-party intervention significantly lower the number of deaths at high-risk locations. Interventions reduced annual suicides by over half when combined with other approaches.
A new study will follow 800 recently released detainees from the Genesee County Jail in Flint, Michigan, and the Department of Corrections in Cranston, Rhode Island, to track mental health outcomes and compare two intervention strategies.
A new study finds that regular exercise significantly reduces both suicidal thoughts and attempts among students who are bullied. Being physically active four or more days per week resulted in a 23 percent reduction in suicidal ideation and attempts in bullied students. Exercise is also associated with significant reductions in sadness.
A study of 13,583 US adolescents found that exercise for 4+ days a week reduces sadness and suicidal ideation by 23%. Exercise was associated with significant reductions in sadness, suicidal ideation, and attempt across all students, particularly bullied teens.
Child trafficking survivors experience poor mental health, self-harm, and suicide attempts, with 56% screening positive for depression and 15.8% reporting suicidal thoughts in the past month.
A groundbreaking Australian pilot project, led by Martina McGrath, will provide a unique, non-clinical approach to care for suicidal persons. The Suicide Attempt Survivors Support Group will inject hope, connectedness, inclusion, and purpose into the lives of those struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Research from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals that Connecticut's permit requirement led to a 15.4% reduction in firearm suicide rates, while Missouri's repeal increased rates by 16.1%. The study suggests factors other than handgun licensing may have contributed to the decline in Connecticut.
A major multi-national study of suicides identified behavior patterns preceding many suicide attempts. The study found that patients with depressive mixed states were at higher risk of suicide, as well as those displaying risky behavior, psychomotor agitation, and impulsivity. These findings suggest the importance of assessing these sy...
Research by Dr. Fabrice Jollant found that high-risk decision-making among parents of individuals who committed suicide may contribute to their vulnerability. The study suggests that cognitive training and neurostimulation techniques can help improve decision-making skills, reducing the risk of suicide.
The Assisted Dying Bill aims to provide protection for terminally ill and mentally competent adults through judicial consent, but experts disagree on its safeguards. Jacky Davis argues that the bill will result in fewer suffering deaths, while Baroness Ilora Finlay warns of potential vulnerabilities among certain groups.
IU School of Medicine researchers have developed biomarkers and apps that can predict the risk of suicide in individuals with bipolar disorder and other psychiatric illnesses. The tests, which use RNA biomarkers from blood samples along with questionnaire instruments, were able to predict suicidal ideation with over 90% accuracy.
Researchers analyzed data from clinics and surveys to examine the outcomes of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide requests. They found that patients with somatic conditions or cognitive decline had higher rates of granted requests, while those with psychological conditions had lower rates.
A new study by Plymouth University reveals that offenders at risk of suicide require targeted support systems to prevent fatal attempts. The research identified key components such as coordinated primary and secondary mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and accommodation assistance.
A new study found that depressed female patients have abnormally high expression levels of genes regulating the glutamate system, which may contribute to their increased suicidal risk. The research suggests that drugs targeting this system, such as ketamine, could provide rapid relief from depression and potentially save lives.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that socially integrated women had a lower risk for suicide compared to those who were less integrated. The research, which analyzed data from 72,607 nurses, also revealed that increasing social integration was associated with a lower risk for suicide.
The study analyzed data from 9,791 Army personnel who attempted suicide and found that enlisted soldiers were 98.6% of all suicide attempts, with a higher rate than officers. Risk factors for enlistment soldiers included age, education level, mental health diagnosis, and deployment status.
Researchers found elevated cytokine levels in blood and brain of individuals with suicidality, distinguishing them from non-suicidal patients. This study contributes to understanding the role of immune system dysfunction in major psychiatric disorders, potentially leading to more personalized medicine.
A new study from Rice University and the University of Colorado at Boulder found that adults living in socio-economically disadvantaged cities are more than two times more likely to die by suicide. The research suggests that broader social climate factors influence suicide risk, rather than individual characteristics alone.
Researchers developed a predictive model using VHA health system data to identify small groups of individuals with very high predicted suicide risk. The study found that the model was more sensitive than clinical flagging and could help tailor suicide prevention efforts to those at highest risk.
Forefront: Innovations in Suicide Prevention is receiving a $100,000 grant from Washington Women's Foundation to expand its outreach to six underserved rural communities. The organization plans to train over 1,260 individuals and provide technical assistance through the two-year life of the grant.
A pilot study reveals significant early results for the program, with a 28% decrease in depression scores and 12% decrease in anxiety scores among students. The program has also led to a decrease in suicidal thinking and improved mental health outcomes.
A new study by Naguib Mechawar's team found that networks of astrocytes are altered specifically in areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. The research also discovered unique properties of astrocytes in subcortical brain regions, which may contribute to depression and suicide.
A study of over 69,000 individuals in Sweden found no association between varenicline and increased risks of suicidal behaviours, criminal offending, transport accidents, or psychoses. However, a small increased risk was found in individuals with pre-existing psychiatric disorders during periods of medication.
Queensland scientists have discovered five new species of antechinus, a 50% increase in diversity within the genus. Three of these species are already under threat from climate change, feral pests, and habitat loss, with one species destined for the threatened list.
The article discusses the impact of mass shootings on individuals and communities, highlighting the need for proactive strategies to prevent gun violence. Commentaries from experts offer scientifically grounded solutions, including threat assessment strategies and community-based approaches to address fear and distrust.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found higher suicide rates among black children compared to white and Hispanic children. The research highlights an emerging racial disparity in childhood suicide, with possible contributing factors including increased exposure to violence, early puberty, and lower help-seeking behavior.
The study found a stable overall US child suicide rate from 1993 to 2012, but significant racial differences emerged, with increasing suicide rates among black children and decreasing rates among white children. The authors suggest factors such as violence, traumatic stress, and early puberty may contribute to the disparities.
A nationwide study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals a racial disparity in childhood suicide, with higher rates among black children. The study found that suicide rates have remained stable overall for the past 20 years, but increased significantly among black children between 1993-1997 and 2008-2012.
A mass media campaign is reaching a majority of California adults, increasing their confidence to intervene with those at risk of suicide. The program is estimated to prevent at least 140 deaths and 3,600 attempts over three decades, while generating an estimated $1,100 in economic benefits for each $1 invested.
A study published in Psychiatry Research found that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who engaged in non-suicidal self-injury were five times more likely to attempt suicide. The research suggests that NSSI could serve as a marker for identifying veterans at high risk of suicide.
Researchers developed two new strategies to mitigate the risk of suicide in young people taking SSRIs, finding that careful dosing can minimize negative effects. Adding a molecule called WAY-100635 eliminates anxiety and impulsivity associated with SSRI treatment.
The CU Anschutz College of Nursing has received $14,997 in funding from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute to develop a program reducing veteran suicides. The program will engage with veterans and caregivers through monthly meetings to identify protective factors for suicide prevention.
A trio of studies found that bullying, whether face-to-face or electronic, significantly increases the risk of depression, suicidal thoughts, and carrying weapons to school. Victimized teens are more likely to carry weapons to school and skip classes.
A recent study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that teenagers who survive self-poisoning are at a significantly increased risk of dying by suicide in the following decade. Half of all suicides among these teens occurred more than three years after their initial episode, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts.
Researchers present key factors contributing to suicidal risk and new assessment and treatment approaches for adolescents. Studies investigate predictors of acute risk, relationship between suicide attempts and impulsive-aggressive responsiveness.
A study published in Medical Care found that nearly 22,400 individuals made healthcare visits within a year before attempting suicide, with 38% making a visit within a week. Racial and ethnic differences were noted, with Asian-Americans being the least likely to make any type of visit before an attempt.
A new University of Utah study found that exposure to killing and death while deployed is correlated with a 43% increased suicide risk compared to general deployment. The research suggests that seeing death and killing contributes to feelings of guilt, shame, regret, and negative self-perceptions.
A study by Umea University found that stroke patients have a double risk of attempted suicide compared to the general population. The risk is highest among those under 55 years old and those with low education or income.
A study of over 3.9 million US military personnel found no association between deployment and increased risk of suicide. However, those who separated from service or had shorter periods of service showed higher suicide rates.
Researchers found that hypobaric hypoxia caused increased depression-like behavior in female rats at high altitudes. The study suggests that altitude is an independent risk factor for depression and suicide, and physiological changes triggered by low oxygen may contribute to the issue.
A randomized clinical trial found that various DBT interventions, including skills training and individual therapy, were comparably effective at reducing suicide attempts and nonsuicidal self-injury acts. The study suggests that more research is needed to determine the best DBT intervention for highly suicidal individuals.
A new report by the University of Manchester found that inadequate staffing and protocols contribute to suicidal deaths among mentally ill patients under observation. The study suggests that more experienced staff and improved observational practices are needed to reduce such incidents.
A new comparison of workplace vs. non-workplace suicides reveals important differences in risk factors and rates. The study found that protective services occupations have the highest workplace suicide rate, with law enforcement officers being at greatest risk.
A recent study found that family support during deployment significantly reduces suicidal thoughts in veterans. The research, published in Anxiety, Stress and Coping, highlights the importance of treating mental health symptoms to prevent suicidal ideation.
A comprehensive review of 39 clinical trials found no evidence of increased risk of suicidal behavior, depression, or death in Varenicline users compared to placebo groups. The study also showed a 25% reduction in the risk of anxiety, likely attributed to the positive impact of quitting smoking on mental health.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that rural youth suicide rates are significantly higher than urban rates, with firearm deaths being the leading cause of death in both sexes. The study analyzed national mortality data from 1996 to 2010 and found that rural areas had nearly twice the number of suicides as urban areas.
A nationwide survey of over 190,000 US adults found that lifetime use of nonaddictive psychedelic drugs was associated with a reduced likelihood of psychological distress and suicidal thoughts. The study suggests that these substances may hold promise for treating depression, warranting reconsideration of their restricted legal status.
A new study found that rural US youth have a nearly double suicide rate compared to urban areas, with a significant increase in hanging as a method. The researchers suggest improving access to mental health care in rural areas through telemedicine and school-based interventions.
A new study reveals high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression among war-afflicted teenagers in Northern Uganda, with former child soldiers showing the highest rates. The study suggests that psychological support should be offered through the education system to all young people in the region.
Researchers found that patients who didn't respond to CBT for anxiety in childhood had more chronic suicidal ideation at 7-19 years after treatment. Successful CBT confers long-term benefits, reducing later suicidality.
A recent survey of US high school students found that 1 in 5 female and 1 in 10 male students have experienced teen dating violence. The study suggests that prevention efforts may be more effective if they include content for both sexes.
Suicide rates among US adults aged 40-64 have increased by 40% since 1999, with a sharp rise since 2007. Economic factors such as job loss, bankruptcy, and foreclosure are being identified as contributing to this trend.
A two-year study found that soldiers receiving cognitive-behavioral therapy were 60 percent less likely to make a suicide attempt than those receiving standard treatment. The therapy focused on managing stress and thinking in more helpful ways.
A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that short-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter increases the risk of suicide among middle-aged men. The study also revealed that individuals between 36-64 years old experienced a higher risk of suicide following air pollution exposure.
Research from the University of British Columbia found that caring parent-adolescent relationships reduce the likelihood of suicidal thoughts leading to attempts. Adolescents with a history of suicide attempts reported lower parental care than non-suicidal adolescents.
A long-term analysis of 63 countries between 2000 and 2011 found that unemployment is associated with a 20-30% increased risk of suicide. The study estimates that about 45,000 suicides are linked to unemployment annually.