Research on suicide risk and prevention. Covers screening and skills programs, youth emergency visits, and neighborhood risk factors.
Researchers discovered a decrease in neuron density in the orbitofrontal cortex among alcoholics, which may lead to decision-making and emotional behavioral issues. The findings suggest that continued alcohol abuse results in irreversible neuronal loss, emphasizing the importance of stopping alcohol consumption.
A Canadian oncologist warned doctors to be aware of the potential risk of suicide among cancer patients. The study found that American cancer patients are more than twice as likely to kill themselves as the general population. The risk varies according to factors such as gender, prognosis, and type of cancer.
A team-based approach to treating depression in primary care significantly reduces suicidal thoughts in older adults, with patients receiving IMPACT care being half as likely to report suicidal thoughts even up to 12 months after treatment. The study also shows improved physical functioning and quality of life for patients.
A new survey found that Hurricane Katrina survivors in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi experienced a doubling of serious mental illness compared to an earlier survey. Despite this increase, the rate of suicidal thoughts was surprisingly low, likely due to positive cognitions about future recovery efforts.
A study of over 6,000 teenage school pupils found that one in ten girls engage in deliberate self-harm each year. The research revealed that girls are more likely to self-harm than boys and that self-cutting is a common form of self-harm reported by teenagers.
A survey of adult cancer survivors found that over 12% reported suicidal thoughts or previous attempts many years after treatment. Factors associated with more suicidal symptoms included younger age, radiation treatments, and physical health issues.
A recent study by Carnegie Mellon and Ohio State researchers found that antidepressants are not causally linked to an increased risk of suicidality among most teens. The study suggests that only adolescents with major depressive disorder who take a specific class of antidepressants, SSRIs, may be at higher risk.
Severely depressed children and adolescents are 1.5 times more likely to attempt or complete suicide if treated with antidepressants compared to those not treated. In contrast, antidepressant use is not associated with increased risk of suicide attempts or deaths in adults.
A study found that recently released prisoners in England and Wales are at a significantly higher risk of suicide, particularly women, who are 36 times more likely to commit suicide than the general population. The authors suggest that inadequate mental health care and support after release from prison may contribute to this risk.
A new study by Marsha Linehan and colleagues found that women given specialized dialectical behavior therapy treatment were significantly less likely to attempt suicide. The treatment also resulted in reduced hospitalization for psychiatric reasons and improved treatment retention rates.
The lack of national guidelines in the UK poses a significant challenge for clinicians managing DNAR orders, which could lead to litigation and accusations of euthanasia. The Mental Capacity Act and European Convention on Human Rights have reinforced the need for clear guidance.
Experts argue over the UK's Assisted Dying for the Terminally Ill Bill, with Baroness Ilora Finlay citing failures in safeguards and Dr Margaret A Branthwaite advocating for patient choice. Meanwhile, Dr David Jeffrey emphasizes the importance of palliative care and warns against legislation at this time.
A new study reveals that less training in psychological medicine and counselling is linked to a high reported wish to hasten death by patients. Doctors' reactions to patients' emotional distress can inadvertently lead them to support assisted suicide.
A University of Toronto study analyzing 138 attacks during the second intifada found that revenge and retaliation were the primary motivators, with bombings not achieving strategic gains for Palestinians. The study also revealed that Israeli actions, such as killings, often prompted attacks, highlighting a cycle of violence.
A study in PLoS Medicine found that US suicide rates fell from 12.2 to 10.4 per 100,000 between 1960 and 2002, coinciding with an increase in fluoxetine prescriptions from 1988 to 2002. The researchers suggest that fluoxetine may have saved up to 33,600 lives during this period.
A new study published in PLoS Medicine analyzes federal data on US suicide rates and sales of the antidepressant fluoxetine since its introduction in 1988. The research found that suicide rates dropped steadily over 14 years as sales of fluoxetine rose, with the strongest effect among women.
Researchers assessed body image concerns in adolescents and found that 1/3 had problematic body image issues. These patients had higher levels of depression, anxiety, and suicidality compared to those without body image concerns.
A recent study conducted at Cornell University found that self-injury is a widespread phenomenon among adolescents and young adults, with most perpetrators being female and questioning their sexual orientation. The study highlights the need for solid research to detect, treat, and prevent self-injurious behavior in young adults.
Researchers investigated the association between genetic variants and breast cancer risk, as well as apolipoprotein E (apoE) plasma levels and cardiovascular mortality in older adults. The study found no link between CHEK2 gene variants and breast cancer risk, while high apoE levels were associated with increased cardiovascular mortali...
Suicide is currently the third leading cause of death among teenagers and young adults ages 15 to 24, behind traffic accidents and homicide. There are no wide-scale school programs on suicide awareness and prevention largely because schools don't have the resources to effectively deal with at-risk youth they identify.
A study found that children of men with low control over their work are more likely to attempt or complete suicide. Father's work conditions during the child's formative years have a significant impact on their mental health.
A meta-analysis of 24 clinical trials involving over 4,500 pediatric patients found a higher risk of suicidal ideation and behavior when taking antidepressants. The FDA has required warnings and close monitoring for children taking these medications.
A recent study found that tetrabenazine, a medication currently available in Europe and Canada, showed significant improvement in reducing chorea, a hallmark symptom of Huntington's disease. The study involved 84 patients and was led by Dr. Kathleen M. Shannon.
Maternal mortality rates in Canada are significantly higher than those in many developed countries, according to a Canadian Medical Association Journal study. The findings highlight the need for improved maternal healthcare and increased awareness of pregnancy-related complications.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found antidepressants to be an effective treatment option for major depression in children and adolescents. The research suggests that these medications can help alleviate symptoms of depression in this age group, improving their quality of life.
Research suggests that people in middle-income areas are more likely to respond to depression treatment than those in low-income areas. The study found an inverse relationship between median household income and suicidality, with low-income areas having a higher risk of suicidal behavior.
A long-term population-based study found that adults do not experience an increased risk of suicidal behavior after starting antidepressants. The study analyzed over 65,000 patients and discovered a significant decline in suicide attempts following treatment initiation.
The article discusses the importance of finding a balance between investing in new technologies and improving existing systems of care. Studies show that physicians employed by large health organizations report lower job satisfaction, while independent practice is associated with better quality of work life.
A study of 1,117 US adults found that most disagree that legalizing physician-assisted death would reduce trust in their doctors. The majority (58%) disagreed with the statement, while only 20% believed it would lower trust.
A study found a nearly doubling of age-adjusted suicide rates in rural Haywood County, NC, from 1997-2002. The researchers suggest possible exposure to hydrogen sulfide and other toxins released by nearby paper mill operations may be linked to the increased suicides.
A recent study found that anxiety disorders more than doubled the risk of suicidal thoughts and tripled the risk of suicide attempts in individuals with mood disorders. The presence of any anxiety disorder in combination with a mood disorder was also associated with a higher likelihood of suicide attempts.
A review of 894 cases of completed suicides among young people worldwide found that mood disorders were the most frequently diagnosed, but only accounted for 42% of cases. Comprehensive suicide prevention strategies should target all mental disorders, not just depression.
Women with endometriosis often experience chronic pain, reduced quality of life, and suicidal feelings due to delayed diagnosis. The study highlights the need for better awareness and pain management services for this condition.
A study found a surprising link between depression, suicide, and epilepsy, with people with epilepsy being 4 times more likely to have attempted suicide before having a seizure. Depression was also found to increase the risk of developing epilepsy.
A study found that suicidal patients treated in inpatient settings had better substance-related outcomes than those treated in outpatient settings, but not better psychiatric symptoms. This suggests that inpatient treatment is beneficial for certain populations with SUDs.
A study found suicide incidence in English and Welsh prisons from 1978–2003 was five times greater than the general male population of similar ages. Young offenders aged 15–17 years had an even higher risk, with a rate around 18 times that of the general population.
A new statistical analysis of paroxetine trials reveals a significantly higher rate of suicide attempts among adults compared to placebo groups. The study confirms that all SSRIs increase suicidal tendencies in depressed adults, with increased intensity over time.
Men with severe anxiety/nervousness face nine-fold higher risk of attempted suicide compared to those without such issues. Long-term studies in Sweden reveal a significant correlation between reported anxiety and increased mortality rates from all causes.
A survey of Dutch general practitioners found that 44% of explicit requests for euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide resulted in the granting of EAS, while patients died before the performance of the request in 13% of cases. Physicians reported compliance with official requirements and based their decisions on patient evaluations.
A new study found that cognitive therapy significantly reduced repeat suicide attempts among participants, with a 50% decrease in such attempts. The therapy was effective in reducing depressive symptoms and improving coping mechanisms.
A randomized controlled trial found that cognitive therapy significantly reduced repeat suicide attempts in adults who recently attempted suicide, with a 50% decrease compared to usual care. The therapy also improved depression and hopelessness levels.
A study by Yale University researchers found that sensor-based detectors for suicide bombers are ineffective and would only save a few lives. The team suggests investing in intelligence gathering to intercept attackers before they attack.
New study finds bipolar disorder prevalence higher than previously thought, with a significant economic burden and high risk of suicide; Lithium treatment may help reduce these risks.
A study of 13,601 US adolescents found that perceived weight was a significant risk factor for suicidal ideation and attempts, regardless of actual body mass index (BMI). Perceived underweight or overweight status increased the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and attempts among students.
A new study by the University of Michigan found that personal devotion to Islam is not linked to support for suicide bombings, but attending mosques more frequently is. The study analyzed data from over 1,150 Palestinian Muslim adults and found that communal religious practice was a predictor of support for suicide terrorism.
Studies show SEROQUEL reduces suicidal thinking in bipolar depression, improves quality of life, and enhances treatment adherence. Improved compliance with medication is also a significant benefit.
Despite a lack of decline in suicidal ideation, plans, or attempts among US adults aged 18-54, treatment increased dramatically for those who made gestures or attempts. Vulnerable subgroups like the young, women, and those with low education face consistently elevated risk of suicide-related behaviors.
A review of nearly 1.8 million people age 52 and older revealed that hospitalized individuals are more likely to commit suicide. Researchers conclude that hospitalization may be a factor in suicidal tendencies among older adults, with women at increased risk.
Researchers found that patients motivated for assisted suicide due to chronic illness, loss of sense of self, or fear of future decline. These motivations highlight the need for healthcare providers to address the quality of dying experience with their patients.
A study using Danish population data found that women whose partners had a psychiatric admission were almost seven times more likely to commit suicide than those with good mental health. Men who lost their partner to suicide were 46 times more likely to take their own life, compared to three times the risk for women bereaved by suicide.
A population-based study found that Aboriginal Canadians are nearly four times as likely to sustain severe trauma as the reference population. Motor vehicle crashes were identified as a primary cause of traumatic injuries and death among this group.
A study of 611 low-income women found that abuse and recent HIV diagnosis significantly increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, attempts, depression, and anxiety. Healthcare providers should routinely screen for mental health issues in these vulnerable populations.
A study of 900 participants aged 21-30 found that current daily smoking predicted subsequent suicidal thoughts or attempts. Rates of suicidal behavior were higher among those experiencing depression at each follow-up assessment.
Researchers found no significant association between antidepressant use and suicide rates in the US. Instead, they suggest that untreated depression is a major contributor to suicidal behavior, particularly among men and young people.
Researchers found a three-fold increase in suicide rates in two Salisbury, N.C., neighborhoods downwind of an asphalt terminal. Hydrogen sulfide levels were significantly higher than the World Health Organization's recommended standard, and exposure to other neurotoxic compounds may also be contributing factors.
Two studies found that physicians who cared for more terminally ill patients were less likely to support assisted suicide, but more supportive of terminal sedation. Attending religious services also appeared to increase opposition to assisted suicide. The findings suggest a complex relationship between medical ethics and personal beliefs.
Scientists find that ferritin heavy chain (FHC) induces apoptosis prevention by sequestering iron, reducing oxygen radical accumulation. This mechanism regulates NF-kB's immune response, potentially preventing chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
Schumm's study analyzed the impact of Iraq's payments to Palestinian families fighting Israelis on suicide bombings. He found a significant reduction in fatalities after the invasion, with potential prevention of up to 1,100 casualties. Improved antiterrorism intelligence within Israeli security forces may also have played a role.
The study found that rural counties had over 1.5 times the rate of gun suicides compared to urban counties, while urban areas experienced almost twice the gun homicide rate of rural counties. Gun suicides have outpaced gun homicides in the US, accounting for over half of all firearm deaths.
Experts dispute FDA warnings on antidepressants and suicidal risk, citing limited data for children and adolescents. Studies show a decrease in suicides over years of growing SSRI use, but caution is advised when interpreting the data.