Research on suicide risk and prevention. Covers screening and skills programs, youth emergency visits, and neighborhood risk factors.
A study found that nearly one in five children and teens at risk for suicide report having guns in their homes, with 15% knowing how to access both. The research emphasizes the importance of parents understanding gun risks and encourages ED screening tools.
A Concordia University study shows that a veil of shame surrounds suicide in cultures worldwide, forcing those affected to grieve alone. Researchers used arts therapy to facilitate dialogue and find common themes across diverse communities, promoting healing and hope.
The USPSTF reviewed evidence on suicide screening and treatment for adults and adolescents, finding that primary care-feasible screening tools can identify adults at increased risk for suicide but have limited ability to detect risk in adolescents. Treatment with psychotherapy reduced the risk of suicide attempts by 32% in high-risk ad...
A study published in Social Psychiatry & Psychiatric Epidemiology found that states with high rates of gun ownership and political conservatism have higher suicide rates. However, a higher percentage of church-goers at the state level was associated with reduced individual suicide risk. The study analyzed mortality data from 2000 to 20...
A study by Dr. Anne Rhodes found that youth with a history of maltreatment, small neighborhood size, or mental disorder are more likely to repeat suicidal behaviors. The research, published in Child Abuse & Neglect, highlights the importance of assessing these factors to prevent repetition.
A study found that less than half of emergency room medical providers believe most or all suicides are preventable and rarely ask about firearm availability. This can lead to missed opportunities to save lives, as many providers think it's the responsibility of psychiatrists or social workers to address firearms.
Research suggests autistic children are 28 times more likely to contemplate or attempt suicide than typical children, with demographics and behavioral problems being key risk factors. The study analyzed data from over 700 children with autism, finding depression was the strongest single predictor of suicidal ideation or attempts.
Scientists discuss significant correlations between abortion and coercion, intimate partner violence, psychological consequences, and suicide rates. Countries with restrictive abortion laws display lower abortion rates and maternal mortality rates compared to those with more permissive laws.
A new study by University of Alberta researcher Donna Wilson found that 77.4% of Albertans support assisted suicide, citing personal experiences and autonomy as key factors. The results challenge traditional views in the province and raise important questions about end-of-life care.
A new study found that young white males are more likely to commit suicide than other demographics among Army National Guard personnel. The researchers identified 17-24 year-olds as being 1.59 times more likely to have committed suicide, with males and white soldiers also facing higher risks.
A new study finds that losing hope for a good night's sleep increases the risk of suicidal thoughts, independent of other types of hopelessness. The study suggests that addressing insomnia and negative thoughts about sleep can help prevent suicidal behavior.
A study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine reveals that insomnia and nightmares can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts. The study suggests that targeted assessment and treatment of sleep problems may reduce this risk in people with depressive symptoms.
A Michigan State University study suggests that physical bullying, cyberbullying, and mobile phone bullying have similar effects on students' behavior and suicidal thoughts. Parents and policymakers are urged to consider both online and offline forms of bullying when creating anti-bullying policies.
A recent study found that nearly 8% of stroke survivors in the US contemplate suicide, with risk factors including depression, age, and socioeconomic status. Regular screening for suicidal ideation is recommended to address this often-overlooked concern.
Researchers at UTHealth found American Indians to be significantly more at risk of suicide after acute alcohol intoxication. The study used data from the National Violent Death Reporting System and found that heavier drinkers were more likely to attempt or complete suicide.
A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that American Indians are at much greater risk of suicide following acute alcohol intoxication. The study analyzed data from the National Violent Death Reporting System and showed that alcohol-related prevention strategies should focus on suicide as a conseq...
Researchers aim to show a direct link between insomnia treatment and reduced suicidal thinking, with 138 adults enrolled over four years. The study assesses patient response to treating insomnia strategically as a focus of care, using sleeping pills like zolpidem alongside antidepressants.
A new study by the University of Utah found that military personnel who experienced physical or sexual assault are at higher risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. In contrast, undergraduate students who experienced unwanted sexual experiences as children or adults face increased risk of suicidal thoughts and ideation.
Researchers in China have discovered that corn can be used as a trap crop to control the devastating parasitic weed sunflower broomrape. The weed causes significant damage to vegetable and row crops, but using corn as a trap crop can induce suicidal germination in the weed, reducing its impact.
A new virtual patient program, Denise, is being tested to help future physicians feel more comfortable and capable assessing suicide risk. The program aims to improve mental health education and reduce stigma around discussing suicidal thoughts.
A study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found a correlation between increased glutamate activity and suicidal behavior. Anti-glutamate drugs are being developed as a potential tool to prevent suicide.
A study co-authored by University of Kentucky sociologists examines the relationship between racial and gender discrimination and suicidal ideation among low socioeconomic status African American women. The research found that moderate levels of eudemonic well-being, self-esteem, and active coping are protective against suicidal ideation.
A study of over 15,000 teenagers and young adults found that the risk of attempted suicide is highest within two years after a parent's inpatient care due to mental disorders or suicide attempt. The risk is particularly high for teenagers and declines with age.
Middle-aged adults are experiencing a significant increase in suicide rates, particularly through hanging/suffocation. Suicide by firearm remains the leading cause of injury death, but hanging/suffocation has increased dramatically, especially among middle-aged men and women.
A new study from the University of Michigan found that physicians who commit suicide often have known mental health problems but fail to seek treatment due to stigma and lack of confidentiality. The study highlights the need for greater effort to address job stress, under-diagnosis, and treatment of depression among physicians.
Suicide rates in the US rose sharply from 1999 to 2010, with a quadrupled increase from 2008 to 2010, accounting for around 1500 additional deaths per year since 2007. Rising unemployment is believed to be a major contributor to this trend.
The 25th ECNP Congress showcased innovative research on brain disorders, highlighting the importance of neuroscience in prevention and treatment. Key findings included new insights into neural plasticity and its potential for novel treatments.
A study of 1,186 young people found that those who experienced recent victimization, such as peer-victimized youth, sexually assaulted, or maltreated, had significantly higher risks of suicidal ideation. Polyvictimization was also strongly associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts.
A study of 41 teen suicide cases found that cyberbullying was a rare sole factor, often occurring alongside mental illness and face-to-face bullying. Most victims experienced both online and school-based bullying.
A study found that holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving may reduce suicide attempts by poisoning, while New Year's Day sees a spike. The researchers suggest increased family or social support structures around holidays may play a role in this phenomenon.
Suicide rates among young people have risen globally, with males outnumbering females, and are linked to psychiatric disorders, genetic vulnerability, and social factors. The progression from suicidal ideation to self-harm and suicide is not absolute, and early intervention is crucial for prevention.
A University of Missouri public health expert has identified factors that can help parents, medical professionals, and educators recognize teens at risk for self-injury and suicide. Factors such as parent connectedness and connections with other positive adult influences are associated with reduced likelihood of engaging in self-injury.
A new intervention, Suicidal Teens Accessing Treatment after an ED Visit (STAT-ED), will be tested on 160 adolescents at risk of suicide. The study aims to reduce suicidal ideation and depression symptoms, while improving mental health treatment and follow-up care.
A pair of MSU-led projects aim to support Michigan National Guard members and their families by studying resiliency in military families and training mental health counselors to work with them. The projects are expected to help the military improve reintegration efforts and prevention and treatment programs.
A global study has found that anaesthetic-related deaths have declined dramatically over the past five decades, with a 90% reduction in post-anaesthetic fatalities since before the 1970s. The study, published in The Lancet, also revealed an 88% decrease in mortality rates within 48 hours of surgery globally.
The study analyzed trends in death due to anaesthesia and perioperative mortality worldwide. The estimates suggest a significant decline in anaesthetic-related mortality, with a 90% decrease from the 1970s to the 1990s. Perioperative mortality also decreased by about 88%.
A UK study published in The Lancet found that people who self-harm are more than three times as likely to die prematurely from natural causes, with deaths due to diseases of the digestive and circulatory systems being a major contributor. The risk is higher for individuals living in socially deprived areas.
A Mayo Clinic psychiatrist proposes four steps to curb military suicide: gun locks, improved depression care, better sleep monitoring, and more. The expert emphasizes the need for ongoing resources to prevent, diagnose, and treat psychiatric illnesses among service members.
A study found that spouses of people who suffer a sudden heart attack are at an increased risk of depression, anxiety, or suicide. Men were more susceptible to depression and suicide after their wife's survival or death from an acute myocardial infarction.
A study published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that individuals infected with the T. gondii parasite are seven times more likely to attempt suicide. The researchers also discovered that the parasite can cause inflammation in the brain, leading to changes in brain chemistry and potentially contributing to depression.
Research from UC Berkeley reveals that girls with ADHD are more likely to struggle with internalized issues, such as low self-esteem and difficulty with relationships, as they mature. Longitudinal study finds high rates of self-injury and suicide attempts in young adulthood, highlighting the need for long-term monitoring and treatment.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that girls with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are significantly more likely to attempt suicide or injure themselves as young adults. The study also found that ADHD in girls can signal future psychological problems and have serious public health implica...
Research finds that men experiencing persistent sexual side effects while on finasteride have a high prevalence of depressive symptoms (11-36%) and suicidal thoughts (44%). Former finasteride users with these side effects are at risk for mental health issues.
A new study finds that American teens' low expectations of longevity before age 35 predict increased risk behaviors, such as substance abuse and suicidal thoughts. The research, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that monitoring survival expectations may identify at-risk youth.
Research at Queen's University Belfast found that children who grew up during the worst years of violence have the highest suicide rates and most rapidly increasing rates. The study attributes this to a range of factors including social isolation, poor mental health, and increased political stability.
A recent UK study found that deaths by suicide among mental health patients treated at home have reached 150-200 a year, with rates nearly double those on mental health wards. The report recommends prioritizing home-treatment teams for suicide prevention and improving safety measures.
A landmark study reveals that police officers are at significantly higher risk for chronic disease, obesity, and suicide compared to the general population. The study found that shift work, stress, and lack of access to healthcare contribute to these risks.
A recent study found that euthanasia and assisted suicide rates in the Netherlands in 2010 were similar to those before legalization in 2002. The researchers estimated around 4050 cases of euthanasia or assisted suicide, representing just under 3% of all deaths.
A new study found that childhood maltreatment is associated with altered epigenetic regulation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene, which can increase the risk for suicide. The study, published in Biological Psychiatry, suggests that early life adversity can lead to long-lasting changes in brain stress response systems.
A large-scale study of over 45,000 Danish women found a predictive association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and later attempted suicides. The risk was highest for violent attempts, with infected women being one and a half times more likely to attempt suicide.
Clinicians must address the immediate safety issue of a gun in the home to effectively engage rural parents in preventing youth suicide. The study found that relating one's own experience with guns increases credibility with parents.
Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital and Auburn University found a significant association between restrictive food intake and an increased number of suicide attempts in individuals with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). The study also suggests that those with a history of BDD-related excessive exercise had lower rates of suicide attempts.
Suicide rates among psychiatric in-patients have fallen by 29-31% between 1997 and 2008, according to a new study. Young patients and those with schizophrenia saw the largest declines. However, the risk of suicide for recently discharged patients may have increased over the same period.
A study of 2,588 Finnish schizophrenic patients found that antidepressive treatment reduced mortality risk by 43%, whereas bensodiazepine use increased the risk of early death and suicide by 91%. The researchers also found no association between taking multiple antipsychotics and increased mortality.
A study by Keith Hawton and colleagues found a significant reduction in co-proxamol-related poisonings after its UK withdrawal in 2005. Deaths involving other analgesics remained stable despite increased prescribing, suggesting the removal of co-proxamol had major benefits on suicide rates.
A recent study published in Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior found that nearly one-third of adults who were physically abused in childhood seriously considered taking their own life. The study suggests that children exposed to physical abuse may be at greater risk for suicidal behaviours in adulthood.
A study of Vietnam-era veterans found that those who experienced more combat-related killing had twice the likelihood of reporting suicidal thoughts. The relationship held even after adjusting for PTSD, depression, and other factors.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden found that cancer patients are at a significantly increased risk of suicide and cardiovascular death during the first week following a diagnosis. The risk decreases rapidly over time but is most pronounced for those with poor-prognosis cancers.
Suicide rates in Canada are increasing among girls aged 10-19, with suffocation being the most common method. The rate for females increased from 0.6 to 6.2 per 100,000 between 1980 and 2008, while deaths by suffocation rose by an average of 8% annually.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a significant link between economic conditions and suicide rates in NYC. The monthly suicide rate was 29% higher at the economic low point in 1992 than at the peak in 2000, with white men under 45 being the most affected.