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Majority of Americans experience some form of gun violence in person

A national study by Rutgers researchers found that nearly two-thirds of US adults have experienced some form of in-person gun violence, with Black and Hispanic adults more likely to be exposed. The study also revealed significant racial disparities in media-based exposure, with Black adults reporting the highest levels of exposure.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·TypeSurvey·DateApr 29, 2025

Sexual trauma during military service linked to higher risk of suicide and overdose death later in life

A longitudinal cohort study found that military sexual trauma is associated with an increased risk of suicide attempt and death by drug overdose, especially among those with post-traumatic stress disorder. The study highlights the need for policies to reduce sexual trauma in the military.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateApr 28, 2025

New study reveals potential link between GLP1 agonists and depression: Calls for urgent attention

A recent study published in Current Neuropharmacology suggests a potential link between Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP1) receptor agonists and depression, particularly in individuals with low dopamine function. The authors urge caution and recommend genetic testing to identify individuals at risk before prescribing these medications.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Neuropharmacology·DateApr 17, 2025

AI models are skilled at identifying appropriate responses to suicidal thoughts

A new study by RAND Corporation reveals that AI models can identify appropriate responses to suicidal thoughts with high accuracy. The findings suggest that these large language models can be surprisingly discerning, but may overrate the appropriateness of clinician responses, indicating a need for further improvement.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 12, 2025

Mass General Brigham study finds relationship between doomsday clock and patterns of mortality and mental health in the united states

A new Mass General Brigham study explores the connection between the Doomsday Clock and mortality and mental health in the United States, finding higher rates of Alzheimer's disease, suicide, and substance-related disorders at closer clock settings. The study suggests a potential bridge between global events and individual well-being.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalBulletin of the Atomic Scientists·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 12, 2025

Suicide, the music industry, and a call to action

A recent study in Frontiers in Public Health documents the prevalence of suicide among musicians, highlighting occupational mortality data from England and US epidemiological data. The research emphasizes the need for evidence-based interventions addressing systemic stressors in music careers.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 7, 2025

Suicide prevention awareness campaigns are not optimized for older adults despite being at highest risk

A new study reveals that most well-known national suicide prevention organizations do not have easily accessible resources targeting older adults, who are at the highest risk of suicide. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted campaigns and tailored prevention programs that address the unique healthcare needs of older adults.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 24, 2025

About 740,000 global deaths from suicide occur annually--that's one death every 43 seconds

The study found that global age-standardized mortality rate for suicide declined by nearly 40% from 1990 to 2021, but progress is not universal, with four regions reporting increases in suicide rates. Males were more than twice as likely to die by suicide than females, but females were 49% more likely to attempt it.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateFeb 19, 2025

Many adults report inaccurate beliefs about risks and benefits of home firearm access

A study by the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center found that a majority of adults believe home firearm access protects against home invasions, but many also underestimate its impact on suicide risk. The researchers suggest that misinformation from the firearms industry and media may contribute to these skewed perceptions.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 7, 2025

Standardizing provider assessments reveals important information about gun and opioid access for veterans at risk of suicide

Researchers found that fewer veterans reported having access to firearms than expected, with only 5% included in discussions. The study also revealed that most veterans with opioid access did not accept overdose-reversing medication, highlighting the need for improved suicide safety planning.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 28, 2025

Firearm-related hospitalizations had dropped before the pandemic, then shot up, study finds

A new study found a significant increase in firearm-related hospitalizations during the COVID-19 pandemic, with rates 34% higher than predicted pre-pandemic trends. The gap was largest for Black patients, children, and those covered by Medicaid, who experienced rates 44%, 46%, and 41% higher, respectively.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2025

Teens with a reduced response to rewards are more susceptible to depression

Researchers found that a blunted response to reward feedback in teens predicts the first onset of depression, but not anxiety or suicidal ideation. This study contributes to understanding neural risk factors for mental health disorders and developing new methods to assess mental health risks.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 17, 2024

Trends in school mental health and substance use education

Research from 2008-2020 shows an increase in emotional/mental health and suicide prevention in schools, but a decrease in substance use prevention, particularly among middle schools. This shift highlights the need for targeted teacher training and resource allocation to address emerging trends in school mental health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 12, 2024

Women born prematurely are at greater risk of committing suicide

A new Nordic study found that women born prematurely have a nearly 80% higher risk of committing suicide compared to those born at full term. However, premature-born men do not show the same elevated risk. The researchers analyzed birth data and causes of death for nearly 37,000 individuals in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalBMC Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 12, 2024

Study maps risk and protective factors associated with suicidal behavior

A study of 2,788 participants with impulse control disorder found that people with ICD are more likely to exhibit both overt and covert suicidal behavior. The study identified shared and specific risk factors for each type of behavior, including depressive symptoms and low self-direction.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Mental Health and Addiction·DateDec 9, 2024

Study finds adolescent suicidal behavior is significantly associated with externalizing behaviors and violence exposure

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a significant association between adolescent suicidal behavior and externalizing behaviors, as well as violence exposure. The study assessed the impact of state-level access to firearms on suicide rates among U.S. high school students.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateDec 2, 2024

Study finds adolescent suicidal behavior is significantly associated with externalizing behaviors and violence exposure

A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine finds significant associations between suicidal behavior and externalizing behaviors, as well as violence exposure among US high school students. The study's authors suggest that stronger firearm protections are needed to protect youth health.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 2, 2024

New imaging study finds evidence that emotion regulation is not always the most effective strategy to mitigate suicidal ideation

Researchers found that individuals with depression who engage in reflexive emotion regulation experience increased suicidal thoughts during daily stressful events. In contrast, adaptive responses to stress were observed when participants used reappraisal strategy.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 25, 2024

Depression rates in LGBTQIA+ students are three times higher than their peers, new research suggests

Research published in the Journal of American College Health reveals that LGBTQIA+ students experience alarmingly high rates of depression. The study, which analyzed data from 483,574 responses to the Healthy Minds Study, found that LGBTQIA+ students were three times more likely to report depression than their cisgender peers.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of American College Health·TypeSurvey·DateNov 13, 2024

First-ever randomized clinical trial uses telehealth for suicide prevention

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that brief cognitive behavioral therapy via video telehealth reduces suicide attempts and suicidal ideation, providing critical insight into treatment options for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. The study also shows that this therapy is effective in reducing depressive symptoms.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 12, 2024

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric anxiety and depression: Prevalence data, theoretical synthesis, and clinical implications

The COVID-19 pandemic triggers a significant increase in pediatric mental health challenges, with rising rates of anxiety, depression, OCD, and suicidality. Theoretical models such as intolerance of uncertainty offer valuable insights into the mechanisms behind these increases.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalExploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine·DateNov 6, 2024

November issues of APA journals feature research on substance use disorders, suicide prevention, peer-run approaches, and more

The November issues of APA journals focus on research related to substance use disorders, including a special issue on the topic. The American Psychiatric Association has published several studies and guidelines on these topics, providing valuable insights for mental health professionals.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateNov 4, 2024

Blue Monday

Researchers analyzed data from 1971 to 2019 and found that Mondays and New Year's Day were universally correlated with elevated suicide risk. In contrast, weekends and other public holidays varied by region, highlighting the importance of recognizing temporal fluctuations in risk for preventive actions.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalBMJ·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 30, 2024

Social media and suicide risk in youth

Research highlights social media's impact on youth mental health, including associations between excessive social media use and suicidal thoughts. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and policy changes to address this growing concern among young people.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 25, 2024

Suicide risk highest on Mondays and New Year’s Day

An analysis of 1.7 million suicides in 26 countries found that Monday has the highest suicide risk, followed by New Year's Day. Risk patterns vary across weekends and holidays, with some countries experiencing increased risks on Saturdays or Sundays.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateOct 23, 2024