Research on suicide risk and prevention. Covers screening and skills programs, youth emergency visits, and neighborhood risk factors.
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.
Research by the University of Manchester's National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness found that high staff turnover and complaints were associated with higher patient suicide rates. The study suggests that mental health services should closely monitor these factors to ensure patient safety.
A study found that treating insomnia with cognitive behavioral therapy led to a significant reduction in suicidal ideation among veterans. The therapy also improved depression and quality of life, suggesting its potential as a target for reducing suicide risk.
A 30-year study found that suicides in Greece increased sharply after the government introduced austerity measures in June 2011, with a total of 11,505 deaths over the period. The introduction of austerity led to a significant rise in male suicides, while female suicides also surged during this time.
A new study found a significant link between austerity measures and sharp increases in Greek suicides, particularly among men. The analysis, which covered the period from 1983 to 2012, showed that men experienced a sustained 13% increase in suicide beginning in October 2008.
A recent survey of over 95,000 UK doctors found that those referred to the General Medical Council are most at risk of mental ill health. The study suggests that the process can lead to defensive medicine, causing harm to patients and increasing healthcare costs.
A new survey of 7,926 doctors reveals high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among those who have faced complaints or investigations. The findings highlight the need for a new structure that is transparent, fair, and has confidence from all parties to prevent negative consequences for patients.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that children whose parents have attempted suicide are nearly 5 times more likely to attempt suicide themselves. Researchers followed the children of 701 parents with mood disorders for an average of six years, and found a direct effect of parental suicide attempt on child suicide attempt.
A new study reveals a significant association between alcohol use and suicide risk among women, with insomnia symptoms playing a mediating role. The study suggests that assessing and treating specific sleep problems may help reduce suicide risk in this population.
Life expectancies for black people are shorter and more uncertain than those of whites. Researchers found that higher rates of white deaths among the young offset the higher homicide rates among blacks. Targeted interventions for sex and race may help reduce the disparity in lifespan variability.
Suicides among white males have increased by 29.1% since 2006, accounting for nearly half of firearm-related deaths in 2012. Homicide rates among black men and women peak in early adulthood before falling steadily thereafter.
A new study found that veterans with a diagnosis consistent with transgender status are more likely to have serious suicidal thoughts and plans, as well as attempt suicide. The group's suicide death rate is higher than the general population of veterans, but similar to those with serious mental illnesses like depression or schizophrenia.
Researchers identified cocaine and amphetamine users as a higher-risk population for suicidal behaviour, with nearly six percent reporting a suicide attempt in the previous six months. The study suggests that stimulant drugs are associated with impulsive behavior and mood changes, which may contribute to the increased risk.
Research reveals that frontal brain systems and structural connections are disrupted in individuals who attempt suicide, leading to weaker connections between the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. This study provides an important first step in understanding the neurobiology of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
A CAMH survey found that 2.2% of Ontario adults seriously contemplated suicide in the last year, with significant increases in self-rated poor mental health and cannabis use. The report also showed declining rates of non-medical prescription opioid use and a decrease in smoking prevalence.
A new computer-based approach to treating anxiety sensitivity has shown significant results in reducing suicide risk. The Cognitive Anxiety Sensitivity Treatment (CAST) is a 45-minute online program that provides interactive features and exercises to improve responses to stress and anxiety.
Researchers found that psychosocial counseling significantly reduced repeat suicide attempts and deaths by suicide, with benefits lasting up to five years. The study's findings suggest that talk therapy-focused suicide prevention can be an effective strategy for populations at high risk of suicide.
A study by Indiana University researchers found nearly 60% of Latino adolescents experienced depression, with those having moderate acculturative stress being 10 times more likely to have depression. A yearlong program boosting self-mastery and resiliency is being developed to address this issue.
A Penn study found that only 15% of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators have thought about device deactivation in terminal illness, while 53% have advanced directives. The study suggests a disconnect between patients' awareness and clinicians' perspectives on ICD deactivation.
A new study suggests that big data predictive analytics can identify high-risk US Army soldiers prior to hospital discharge, highlighting a targeted approach for suicide prevention. The analysis of 53,769 soldiers revealed that 5% of hospitalized individuals accounted for 52.9% of post-hospital suicides.
A study found that nearly half of posthospitalization suicides occurred in the top 5% of hospitalizations with highest predicted suicide risk. Targeted expanded posthospitalization care might be effective in reducing soldier suicides.
A study of over 40,000 soldiers found a significantly elevated suicide rate among those hospitalized for psychiatric disorders, with the highest-risk group accounting for 52.9% of post-hospital suicides.
A large Canadian study published in CMAJ found that symptoms of mental illness in children and adolescents are not increasing, contrary to popular media perceptions. The study suggests a decline in depression and anxiety, as well as suicidal behavior among youth, while hyperactivity increased in younger age groups.
A firearm suicide prevention campaign won over nearly half of firearm retailers in New Hampshire, who displayed materials to reduce access to firearms for suicidal individuals. The campaign's success was linked to store owners' belief that reducing access could save a life.
A new study by University of Houston researchers found that religious beliefs and practices may reduce suicidal thoughts among African-Americans, particularly in cases of racial discrimination. The study suggests that extrinsic religiosity can buffer the negative effects of racism on mental health.
Two studies found that new soldiers are equally likely to have experienced major episodes of mental illness as civilians, but more likely to have a combination of disorders. Rates of pre-enlistment suicide thoughts and plans are similar to matched civilians, but higher rates later in the Army career suggest chronicity of suicidality
A new UK study has found that teenage self-harm is associated with a higher risk of developing mental health and substance misuse problems as adults. The research, which analyzed data from over 4,700 adolescents, reveals that even non-suicidal self-harm can increase the likelihood of depression, anxiety, and other issues.
A new study found that most youth suicide victims had underlying mental health problems, highlighting the need for increased public awareness and coordination of services. The research identified significant deficits in training, service coordination, and continuity of care among professionals.
A study of 951 LGBTQ+ youth found that adult connections at school buffered bullying's consequences, reducing aggressive and suicidal behaviors. Educators can access resources to support LGBTQ+ students through organizations like GLSEN.
A Tel Aviv University study finds that religious Jewish teens are 45% less likely to exhibit suicidal behavior compared to their secular counterparts. The research suggests that Judaism's spiritual and communal support, as well as its prohibition on suicide, may be key factors in this protective effect.
A new study suggests that a moderate to high perception of family invalidation is a statistically significant predictor of a later suicide event among boys. Strong peer invalidation also predicts engagement in self-harm behaviors in the overall group, according to researchers.
A York University psychology professor warns that perfectionism is a significant risk factor for suicide, linked to hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. The expert calls for clinicians to consider perfectionism as a separate factor in suicide risk assessment and intervention.
A study found that daily sunshine hours before a suicide event were associated with reduced rates of suicide among women, while men showed an opposite correlation. The researchers also noted that long-term exposure to sunshine was linked to lower suicide rates in Austria between 1970 and 2010.
A new series on child deaths in high-income countries reveals that many deaths are preventable, with socioeconomic factors playing a significant role. The series calls for improved healthcare services and social policies to tackle child poverty and reduce inequality.
A new study led by University College London found that 40% of women with severe mental illness have suffered rape or attempted rape in adulthood, compared to 7% of the general population. Women with severe mental illness are also more likely to suffer domestic violence, with 69% reporting childhood abuse and 49% reporting adult abuse.
Researchers found media coverage of a South Korean actress' suicide led to a surge in 80 times more suicide-related articles. The study estimated 430 excess suicides in the 4 weeks following her death.
A new research study by the University of Adelaide found that adults who were hospitalized for burns as children are at a higher risk of depression and suicidal thoughts. The study, which followed up with 272 people who were burned during childhood, found that 42% had suffered some form of mental illness and 30% experienced depression.
The number of people from Germany and the UK opting for assisted suicide in Switzerland has more than doubled between 2008 and 2012. Neurological conditions such as paralysis and Parkinson's disease account for nearly half of all cases, with women being 40% more likely to choose this option.
The American Journal of Preventive Medicine supplement provides actionable recommendations for prioritizing research on suicide prevention. The focus areas include early behavioral detection, interventions, and the use of mass media to reduce suicidal behavior.
A new study from Duke University found that mass layoffs can trigger increased suicide attempts and behaviors among teenagers, particularly girls and black adolescents. The research, based on a nationally representative survey of 403,457 adolescents, suggests that economic hardship worsens existing tendencies in girls.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that poor sleep quality is associated with a higher risk of suicide in older adults. The research, conducted over a 10-year period, revealed that individuals who reported poorer sleep at baseline had a significantly increased risk of suicide, even when controlling for depressed mood.
A study published by a Stanford researcher found that poor sleep quality significantly increases the risk of suicide among older adults. The study, which analyzed data from 14,456 adults aged 65 and older, confirmed that disrupted sleep is an independent risk factor for late-life suicide.
Research suggests that childhood abuse, sexual victimization, and prior suicidal behavior are significant risk factors for service members and veterans who attempt or commit suicide. The study found that soldiers who reported abuse as children were three to eight times more likely to report suicidal behavior.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a genetic alteration linked to stress reactions that could lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The study suggests that a blood test based on this finding may be able to identify individuals at increased risk of suicide attempts, allowing for early intervention and prevention.
A study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research found that cigarette smokers are more likely to commit suicide than non-smokers. Implementing higher taxes on cigarettes and stricter smoking policies led to a 15% decline in suicide rates relative to the national average.
Researchers have found that mental health patients are at their highest risk of dying by suicide in the first two weeks after leaving hospital. The study, which analyzed data from 2002 to 2012, shows that around 3,225 patients died by suicide within three months of discharge, with 526 deaths occurring within the first week.
Research shows that pill appearance can affect how patients take their medications, with a study finding that 30% of heart patients who stopped taking their medication had changed pill color or shape beforehand. In contrast, having strong social ties is associated with lower rates of suicide death among men, according to another study.
According to the report, nearly 180,000 people die each year from preventable causes such as automobile crashes and drug overdoses. Preventive strategies show promise in reducing these deaths, particularly child safety seats, seatbelt laws, and drink driving laws.
The American College of Physicians recommends against routine pelvic examinations for asymptomatic, average-risk non-pregnant women due to the lack of demonstrated benefit and potential harms. In contrast, the guideline suggests Pap smear screening without a bimanual examination, recommending visual inspection of the cervix, cervical s...
A large-scale clinical study found that adults with Asperger Syndrome are nine times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts compared to the general population. The study also revealed a significant link between depression and increased risk of suicidal ideation in this group.
A study by Harvard Medical School found that antidepressant prescriptions for young people dropped after FDA warnings, leading to a relative increase in suicide attempts. The researchers suggest that better communication between the FDA, media, and physicians is needed to ensure patients receive appropriate treatment.
A Swedish study using national patient registers found no link between ADHD drug treatment and increased risk of suicide attempts or suicide. Instead, researchers suggest that ADHD medications may have a protective effect against suicidal behaviors.
Suicides among mental health patients treated at home by crisis resolution home treatment teams have more than doubled in recent years, with an average of 163 deaths in 2010-2011. In contrast, suicides on psychiatric wards fell by over half during the same period.
Research by University of Oxford links recession to significant rise in suicides across EU, Canada, and USA between 2008-2010. The study suggests that job loss, home repossession, and debt are major risk factors leading to suicide during economic downturns.
Rates of adverse outcomes, including premature death and violent crime, in people with schizophrenia are increasing compared to the general population. Men and women with schizophrenia were eight times more likely to die prematurely than the general population.
A new study reveals that suicidal deaths are more likely to occur between midnight and 4 a.m. than during the daytime or evening, peaking at 16.27 percent between 2 a.m. and 2:59 a.m. This finding suggests that circadian factors may contribute to suicidality and highlights the importance of addressing insomnia as a potential risk factor.
The US Preventive Services Task Force found insufficient evidence to recommend for or against screening for suicide risk in adolescents, adults, and the elderly. However, healthcare professionals should consider referring patients with risk factors or high emotional distress for further evaluation. On the other hand, vaccination during...
A recent study found a significant correlation between US foreclosure crisis and rising suicide rates, especially among middle-aged adults. Foreclosures were found to affect not only individuals but also entire communities, exacerbating feelings of loss, shame, or regret.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that adults with a parent who abused alcohol are 85% more likely to attempt suicide. Having divorced parents also increases the risk of suicide attempts by 14%. However, combining divorce and parental alcohol abuse does not increase suicide risk.
Researchers say a virtual patient, electronic medical record, and sleep queries are effective new tools in recognizing suicide risk. The comfort level of caregivers and family members is also crucial in talking openly about suicide.