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Dealt a bad hand: Pathological gamblers are also at risk for mental health disorders

A recent study by University of Montreal researchers found that pathological gamblers are three times more likely to commit suicide than non-gamblers due to co-occurring personality disorders. The study also showed that these individuals rarely seek health professional help, exacerbating their financial and emotional problems.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateNov 23, 2010

Nurses critical in assuring health needs of LGBTIQ youth

A Concordia University professor argues that nurses can advocate for better healthcare and services for teenagers who are LGBTIQ, reducing transmission of sexually transmitted infections by discussing safe sex practices. Nurses should be nonjudgmental, tolerant and supportive of LGBTIQ individuals in the clinic and community.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing·DateOct 12, 2010

Baby boomers raise midlife suicide rate

Research by sociologists Ellen Idler and Julie Phillips found significant increases in middle-aged suicide rates, particularly among unmarried individuals and those without a college degree. The study suggests that chronic diseases and substance abuse may be contributing factors to the rising trend.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPublic Health Reports·DateSep 27, 2010

Presidential election outcomes directly influence suicide rates

A new study finds that presidential election outcomes directly influence suicide rates among voters. In states where the majority supported the winner, suicide rates decreased, but more dramatically in states where the majority supported the loser, with a 4.6% lower rate for males and 5.3% for females.

SourceWiley·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateAug 16, 2010

Psychologists develop 2 potent new predictors of suicide risk

Two new tests have been developed by Harvard psychologists to predict patients' risk of attempting suicide. The first test measures attention to suicide-related stimuli, while the second assesses implicit mental associations between death/suicide and oneself. These behavioral markers show great promise in identifying high-risk individu...

SourceHarvard University·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateJul 28, 2010

Emergency care may be failing to spot future suicidal patients

A study found that nearly half of suicides among mental health patients occurred within a year of visiting an emergency department, highlighting the need for better screening and assessment practices. Frequent attendees were more likely to have a history of self-harm and alcohol misuse, underscoring their high risk group status.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·DateJul 26, 2010

What are the most effective strategies for secondary suicide prevention?

The article discusses different interventions for secondary suicide prevention, focusing on high-risk patients with psychiatric illnesses. The authors argue that physicians need to be taught about the association between mental disorders and suicide and should not hesitate to ask people about their thoughts of suicide.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 1, 2010

Self-injurious behavior in adolescents and the PLoS Medicine editorial

Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) is a common practice amongst adolescents, with medical providers uniquely positioned to detect its presence. Janis Whitlock's article discusses the epidemiology and care of adolescents undertaking NSSI, highlighting the need for standard assessment practices and effective treatment regimes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 25, 2010

Depression care program eliminates suicide

A unique depression care program implemented by Henry Ford Health System has resulted in a 75% decrease in suicide rates among patients. The program, which includes various interventions such as cognitive behavior therapy and access to support services, has achieved zero suicides per 100,000 patients for over two years.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalJAMA·DateMay 18, 2010

Suicide risk for seniors moving into residential homes

Older adults living in residential communities are at increased risk of suicidal behavior due to social factors such as widowhood, divorce, substance abuse, and family discord. The study suggests that public health systems and residential communities can counter this risk by assessing resident populations and setting priorities for sui...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 18, 2010

Children who lose a parent to suicide more likely to die the same way

A study led by Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that children who lose a parent to suicide are three times more likely to commit suicide than those with living parents. The researchers also found that these children are nearly twice as likely to be hospitalized for depression and have an increased risk of committing violent crimes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateApr 21, 2010

Measuring the suicidal mind

A study published in Psychological Science found that people who have a stronger association between death and self are more likely to attempt suicide. This association can be measured using an Implicit Association Test (IAT), which may provide a new tool for identifying and predicting clinical behaviors that are not reported verbally.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 12, 2010

Open-label continuation study supports long-term efficacy of Xenazine (tetrabenazine) for the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington's disease

Results from an open-label extension study demonstrate that subjects treated with Xenazine experienced a statistically significant reduction in chorea score after 80 weeks of treatment. The primary efficacy endpoint showed a mean reduction in Total Maximal Chorea (TMC) score of 4.6 UHDRS units.

Immediate risk of suicide and cardiovascular death after a prostate cancer diagnosis

A new study found that men diagnosed with prostate cancer in the US face a higher risk of suicide and cardiovascular death, particularly during the first year after diagnosis. The study suggests that providing emotional counseling and support for patients newly diagnosed with cancer may be essential to mitigate this risk.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 2, 2010

Psychiatric patient suicides can be prevented

A study found that psychiatric patients who absconded from wards were more likely to be young, unemployed, and homeless with high rates of schizophrenia and substance misuse. Improving ward environments and implementing tighter controls on exits may help prevent these cases.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Psychiatry·DateFeb 2, 2010

Cardiovascular and suicide risk raised after prostate cancer diagnosis

A new study found that men diagnosed with prostate cancer have a higher risk of cardiovascular events and suicide, especially during the first year after diagnosis. The researchers attribute this to emotional stress associated with the diagnosis, which may lead to increased cardiovascular morbidity and suicidal thoughts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 14, 2009

Physician-assisted suicide does not increase severity of depression, grief among family members

A study by Oregon Health & Science University found that family members of loved ones who received physician-assisted suicide did not experience higher levels of depression and grief compared to those whose loved ones died without it. In fact, these families reported feeling more prepared for and accepting of their loved one's death.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of Pain and Symptom Management·DateSep 30, 2009