Articles tagged with Suicide
A nationwide children's hospital implemented an automated Caring Contacts texting system to provide ongoing care and support to youth at risk for suicide. The intervention helped patients feel hopeful and supported, with 83% reporting feeling moderately to very hopeful and 88% feeling moderately to very supported.
The latest issues of American Psychiatric Association journals feature new research on PTSD, phobias, and psychiatric vulnerabilities. A special issue on eating disorders is also highlighted in the August issue of Psychiatric Services.
A recent study has found a notable increase in suicidal deaths among Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) young adults over the past two decades. The study reveals that male AAPI youth experienced a sharp rise in suicidal rates starting in 2008, with a significant peak in 2019.
A new analysis found that people hospitalized for heart disease, stroke, or cardiovascular diseases are 83% more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric conditions within the first year after hospitalization. Early mental health screening and intervention are crucial for patients and their loved ones.
New research from the CU Center for Combat Medicine and Battlefield Research found a promising pathway to reducing gun-carrying among youths with recent suicidal ideation or plans. Military-connected youth with past-year suicidal ideations or suicide plans exhibited lower rates of handgun carrying compared to their civilian peers.
Researchers developed a computer model to examine the dynamics underlying suicide contagion after the suicides of Robin Williams in 2014 and Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain in 2018. The findings provide a framework for quantifying suicidal contagion, allowing for better understanding, prevention, and containment of its spread.
The study found a disproportionate increase in female suicide rates relative to male preteens between 2001 and 2022. Suicide was the 5th leading cause of death among both males and females during this period.
A study of 40,000 suicides among youth aged 10-24 found that three out of five cases lacked a prior mental health diagnosis. The researchers emphasize the need for equitable access to mental health screening, diagnosis, and treatment for all youth.
A cross-sectional study found that 60% of youth suicide decedents lacked a preceding mental health diagnosis, with racial and ethnic minorities having lower odds of diagnosis. The study highlights the need for equitable mental health identification and lethal means counseling to prevent youth suicide.
Rates of preteen suicide (ages 8-12) have increased by approximately 8% annually since 2008, with notable increases among female and minority preteens. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing culturally responsive prevention efforts, including suicide risk screening and lethal means safety counseling.
A new study reveals that age-adjusted suicide rates decreased for White individuals in the US but increased for Asian American or Pacific Islander youths during the same timeframe, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to support this growing population
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that mental health apps can significantly reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidality in individuals waiting for their initial psychiatric appointment. The study, which involved over 2,000 patients, showed improvement in all groups, regardless of the app used.
A Rutgers Health study found that Black LGB adolescents experienced the highest rising rates of suicidal ideation and bullying in NYC youth. Compared to their heterosexual peers, these trends are at least double, with bullying linked to increased suicidal thoughts and attempts among all adolescents.
A new study highlights the importance of friendships in supporting young people who self-harm, while also considering the potential negative impact on friends' own mental wellbeing. The review recommends that adults should extend support to young people who disclose a friend's self-harming behavior.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics highlights the critical role of family support in maintaining the mental health of transgender youth following gender identity milestones. Without a supportive family environment, these young individuals are at a higher risk of attempting suicide or running away from home.
Research reveals that residents of America's wealthiest communities face higher economic losses from natural disasters and exposure to air pollution, despite having more assets. In contrast, low-income municipalities have higher suicide rates, homicide rates, and firearm fatalities, but lower access to health services.
A study published in the Journal of School Violence found that over 9-12% of 13-17 year olds in the US engaged in digital self-harm between 2019 and 2021. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to address this growing issue.
Researchers discovered that state firearm access laws significantly reduced firearm suicides among young adults. Implementing permit to purchase laws was associated with a 39% decrease in firearm suicides and a 14% decrease in overall suicide rates among this age group.
Scientists at the University of Warwick have investigated a range of contributing risk factors for suicide in a large-scale study. The study identified biological and behavioral predictors, including elevated white blood cells, neuroticism, childhood experiences, and reduced grey matter in the brain.
A recent study investigates maternal suicide mortality during the perinatal period, revealing complex factors and opportunities for further research. The findings underscore the importance of evidence-based interventions targeting mental health, substance use, and intimate partner problems to prevent maternal suicide and enhance matern...
A recent statistical analysis published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals a significant association between more restrictive alcohol policy environments and lower homicide rates. The study suggests that adopting stricter policies could lead to a reduction in approximately 1200 homicides annually.
Patients with anorexia nervosa have a 4.5-times higher risk of dying compared to the general population, with psychiatric conditions doubling this risk. The presence of these conditions is also associated with a 1.9-fold higher risk of 10-year mortality in individuals diagnosed at age 6–25 years.
A study by the University of Toronto found that 43% of Canadians with a history of bipolar disorder were symptom-free and 23.5% had achieved complete mental health. Factors contributing to psychological flourishing included having a trusted confidant, using spirituality as coping mechanisms, and absence of disabling chronic pain.
A new trial of a suicide prevention intervention for autistic adults found that almost two-thirds of participants found the adapted safety plans useful. The study, funded by the National Institute of Health Research, suggests that personalized interventions can reduce self-harm and suicidal behaviors in autistic individuals.
A new study finds that adolescents with higher levels of social anxiety symptoms are more likely to report increased suicidal thoughts and depressive symptoms two years later. Early intervention for social anxiety may be crucial in preventing these mental health issues.
The number of calls to US poison centers has increased sharply, with a 233.9% rise in intentional exposures among adults. The severity of unintentional exposures also increased, with 37.4% more cases resulting in severe harm and 65.3% more deaths.
A Rutgers University study found that many firearm owners lack knowledge about proper cable lock installation, with only 98.3% correctly identifying correct installation on a rifle. The study suggests that education and awareness are crucial to ensure the effectiveness of cable locks in securing firearms.
A study by researchers at the University of Arizona found that veterans paired with service dogs for three months had significantly lower self-reported PTSD symptom severity, anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. They also experienced a 66% lower odds of receiving a PTSD diagnosis.
A new study by OHSU and Lines for Life finds that a crisis intervention program using social media to monitor youth can deter suicidal behavior. The Safe Social Spaces program has avoided 163 instances of self-harm through supportive dialogue with over 3,000 young people.
A study found that adolescents who slept less than 4 hours a night were two times more likely to attempt suicide, while improved sleep duration could potentially lower suicide risk among teens. Sleep moderates the association between bullying and suicide in U.S. teenagers.
A 15-year analysis of national data on suicides and homicides shows that nocturnal wakefulness significantly increases the risk for both. Disrupted sleep impairs rational thought and drives impulsive behaviors in vulnerable individuals.
York University Professor Gordon Flett highlights the importance of mattering in preventing youth suicide, linking it to feelings of being seen and heard. He argues that excessive social media use can exacerbate anti-mattering feelings, which are a key risk factor for youth suicidal ideation.
A matched cohort study found no overall increased risk of early death among women with premenstrual disorders. However, the risk was elevated for young women and deaths by suicide, highlighting the need for careful follow-up and suicide prevention strategies.
A new assessment tool developed by researchers at Northwestern University predicts suicidal thoughts and behaviors with an average accuracy of 92%. The tool uses a simple picture-ranking task along with contextual variables to identify individuals at risk of self-harm.
A study reveals childhood maltreatment causes an estimated 41% of suicide attempts, 35% of self-harm cases, and 21% of depression in Australia. The researchers advocate for policy-driven prevention and interventions to address childhood abuse and neglect.
A recent study reveals significant racial and ethnic disparities in all-cause and cause-specific mortality among US youth. The findings highlight a disproportionate burden of mortality among American Indian or Alaska Native and Black youth, particularly those involving firearms.
A national US study found that nearly a quarter of children with symptoms of brain injuries or concussions were not checked for the condition. Younger children were more likely to be overlooked. Routine checks can help ensure these children receive necessary care and support their mental and social well-being.
A UCLA-led study found large differences in language used to describe male and female suicides, with women more likely to have documented mental health conditions and received treatment. The study suggests using this 'language of suicide' to identify early warning signs for men.
Midlife mortality rates for deaths of despair, including suicide, overdose, and liver disease, vary by race and ethnicity, with higher rates among Black and American Indian/Alaska Native populations. Early mortality from drug- and alcohol-related causes contributes to these disparities.
A new study by UCLA Health found that middle-aged Black Americans had the highest mortality rates from suicide, drug overdose, and alcoholic liver disease in 2022. Native Americans had the highest combined death rate from these causes over nearly two decades.
The number of suicides among US college student athletes has doubled over the past 20 years, with males and cross-country competitors most affected. The study found that suicide rates increased throughout the study period, with a peak age of 20, and were higher in male athletes than female athletes.
A study found that the number of U.S. collegiate athletes who died by suicide doubled between 2002 and 2022, accounting for a greater portion of total deaths. Athletes' mental health issues were attributed to pressures such as school expectations, performance demands, and social media scrutiny.
A new study from the University of Georgia reveals that young Black men are experiencing suicidal thoughts at alarming rates, with one in three rural Black men reporting ideation or death thoughts. Childhood adversity and racism are major contributing factors, leading to feelings of mistrust and isolation.
A recent Johns Hopkins Children's Center study reveals a significant negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth minority mental health. The research found increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among adolescents in racial and ethnic minorities, with Black females showing a 90.2% increase in suicidal thoughts.
A recent study analyzed 306,800 US suicide deaths between 2003 and 2020 and found that physical health concerns were a significant risk factor for suicide. The largest subgroup of individuals who died by suicide had no documented mental health issues or antidepressant use.
Research highlights new findings on social vulnerability and survivorship after colorectal cancer resection, as well as disparities in kidney recovery among Black donors. Additionally, studies reveal cost savings from implementing quality interventions and explore eligibility for transplants in obese patients with end-stage renal disease.
A study of partners and adult children of stroke survivors found higher risks of mental health conditions and self-harm or suicide. The findings highlight the potential consequences of stroke on family members, particularly partners.
Researchers analyzed molecular data from brain tissue and blood of individuals who committed suicide, identifying risk markers for novel therapeutic targets. The study found alterations in the prefrontal cortex and inhibitory neurotransmitters, highlighting potential new approaches for preventing suicidal behavior.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found a strong association between alcohol use disorder and suicide mortality across genders. The study highlights the importance of addressing alcohol use disorder as part of comprehensive suicide prevention strategies.
A study by the University of Southampton found a strong connection between daily suicides, people's expectations formed by professional economic forecasts, and subsequent economic performance. Negative economic shocks can lead to feelings of lack of identity and purpose among vulnerable populations, increasing the risk of suicide.
A study published by the American College of Surgeons found that permitless open carry laws in states without such restrictions had a significantly higher rate of firearm-related deaths and total suicides. The researchers suggested that the ease of access to firearms under these laws may be responsible for the increase in suicide rates.
A Rutgers Health study found that military service members view law enforcement officers, military service members, and veterans as the most credible sources to discuss secure firearm storage for suicide prevention. The study suggests that leveraging these sources can help increase secure storage among this population.
Researchers found a causal link between air pollution and suicide rates in China, estimating that reducing air pollution has prevented 46,000 deaths. The study isolated the effect of pollution on mental health by using weather conditions to tease apart confounding factors.
Researchers discovered that ketamine's sustained effects involve increasing immature cells' activity, while rapid effects rely on newborn neurons firing more rapidly. This breakthrough opens doors to developing new antidepressant treatments.
A study of 8,988 preadolescent children found a significant link between tobacco product use and an increased risk of suicide attempts among elementary school-aged children. The findings suggest that emerging tobacco products are also associated with this increased risk, emphasizing the need for preventive policies.
A study of 2,180 participants found that early childhood neighborhood poverty is significantly associated with death from unintentional injury, suicide, and homicide in early adulthood. Economic policies are needed to address health equity and premature mortality.
A new study finds women in healthcare occupations endure significantly more stress and burnout compared to their male counterparts. Job satisfaction and better work-life balance can mitigate this stress. The analysis also highlights the need for healthcare employers and policymakers to develop solutions to prevent burnout.
A study of 1,948 U.S. adults with lifetime suicide attempts found that nearly 20% had no prior psychiatric diagnosis, raising questions about suicide risk screening limits. This finding suggests a broader population is at risk and warrants further investigation into suicidal behavior.
A new University of Colorado Boulder study suggests that increased access to potentially lethal prescription opioids has made it easier for women to end their lives. The study also found that a shrinking federal safety net has contributed to rising suicide rates during tough economic times, particularly among all adults.
Researchers found that progesterone may increase suicidal risk in women with depression due to its stress hormone effects. The study suggests screening patients for depression before prescribing progesterone-containing contraceptives or menopausal treatment.