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Firearm suicide and homicide rates associated with level of background check

A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that local-level background checks are associated with a 27% lower firearm suicide rate and a 22% lower homicide rate compared to federal-level checks. States that rely on local-level checks have substantially lower rates of firearm suicides and homicides.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 3, 2008

Child abuse may 'mark' genes in the brains of suicide victims

A study by McGill University scientists found that child abuse may cause differences in epigenetic marking on genes in the brains of men who killed themselves. The researchers also discovered that simple maternal behavior during early childhood has a profound effect on genes and behavior, which can be reversed through treatments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 6, 2008

Antidepressants account for only 10 percent of fall in suicide rates among older people

A large population-based study using Danish register data suggests that antidepressant use accounts for only 10% of the fall in suicide rates among middle-aged and older people. Despite a significant increase in antidepressant prescriptions, the study found no conclusive link between medication and reduced suicidal behavior.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateApr 14, 2008

Mother-daughter conflict, low serotonin level may be deadly combination

New University of Washington research suggests that negative mother-daughter relationships and low serotonin levels in adolescents may be linked to self-harming behaviors. The study found that these two factors combined account for 64% of the difference between adolescents who engage in self-harming behaviors and those who do not.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateMar 5, 2008

Teens with treatment-resistant depression more likely to improve with combination therapy

A recent study published in JAMA found that teenagers with difficult-to-treat depression who switched to another antidepressant medication and added psychotherapy showed significant improvement. The results suggest that a combination approach may be more effective than traditional treatment strategies for adolescents with treatment-res...

Suicide risk factors consistent across nations

Risk factors for suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts are consistent across countries, with mental disorders and female gender being key contributors. The study also found that impulse control disorders and substance use disorders increase the risk of acting on suicidal thoughts.

SourceHarvard University·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 31, 2008

Short birth length more than doubles risk of violent suicide attempts

A cohort study of over 320,000 Swedish men found that short birth length more than doubles the risk of violent suicide attempts. Catch-up growth during childhood does not mitigate this risk. The study also suggests a link between low serotonin levels and impulsivity, aggression, and suicidal behavior.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateJan 17, 2008

Combination of medication and psychotherapy appears most effective for treatment of depressed teens

A randomized controlled trial shows that combination therapy with fluoxetine and cognitive behavior therapy is more effective than either strategy alone in treating adolescents with depression. This study suggests that cognitive behavior therapy may protect against treatment-emergent suicidal events in patients taking fluoxetine.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateOct 1, 2007

Doctor-aided suicide: no slippery slope

A University of Utah-led study rebuts critics by showing that legalizing physician-assisted suicide did not result in disproportionate deaths among the elderly, poor, women, minorities, or chronically ill. In fact, patients with psychiatric illness were not more likely to die via assisted suicide.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Medical Ethics·DateSep 26, 2007

Self-injury found to be common in high-school students

A new study suggests that non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a common occurrence among high school students, with nearly half of teens experiencing NSSI in the past year. The most common reasons for engaging in NSSI include regulating emotional states and managing situations.

SourceLifespan·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateJul 19, 2007

Military service doubles suicide risk

A study of 320,000 men found that former military personnel are twice as likely to kill themselves as the general population, especially those with health problems. The research highlights the need for clinical and community interventions targeting veterans at risk.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateJun 11, 2007

Dating violence and sexual assault associated with suicide attempts among urban teens

A study analyzing self-administered questionnaires from 8,080 urban teen students found associations between persistent sadness, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. Lifetime history of sexual assault was reported by 9.6% of females and 5.4% of males, while dating violence in the past year was associated with female suicide attempts.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJun 4, 2007

Teens with migraine at greater risk of suicide

A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that teens with migraine headaches are at a higher risk of suicide and more likely to experience other psychiatric disorders such as depression and panic disorder. The research highlights the importance of screening for psychiatric disorders in teens with chronic daily headaches.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 30, 2007