Articles tagged with Suicide
A new study by Brighton and Sussex Medical School finds that 24% of autistic doctors have attempted suicide, while 77% have considered it. The study highlights the need for workplaces to provide better support and awareness of autistic healthcare professionals.
Researchers designed machine learning models to identify children at risk of self-harm, finding that incorporating more data points and diagnostic codes improved detection rates. The models were particularly effective for detecting underrepresented groups, such as Black and Latino youth.
A study by University of South Australia found that long work hours, job insecurity, and mental health challenges are driving suicidal thoughts among Australian construction workers. The research also highlights the importance of addressing stigma around mental health and suicide in the industry.
A study of 73,000 emergency department visits and hospitalizations found seasonal patterns in suicidality among children and adolescents. After COVID-19-related school closures, an unexpected decrease in suicidality was observed, suggesting a potential link to the school calendar.
Researchers found a clear pattern of suicidality related to the academic calendar, with peaks in April and October, but a decline during COVID-19 school closures. The study suggests interventions during peak months could help protect against seasonal increases in suicidality, especially for adolescent females.
Research found that people with bipolar disorder are 6 times more likely to die from external causes and twice as likely to die from physical illness. Alcohol is a major contributing factor to the increased risk of death from somatic causes.
A study found that joint exposure of unequal income distribution and lack of social mobility increases risks of deaths from suicide, drug overdose, and alcohol-related liver disease. Addressing underlying social and economic conditions is crucial in responding to the deaths of despair epidemic.
A study examining unemployment and underemployment figures and suicide rates in Australia found both to be significant drivers of suicide mortality between 2004-2016. Economic policies prioritizing full employment should be a core part of any comprehensive national suicide prevention strategy.
A systematic review suggests fibromyalgia is associated with a 27% heightened risk of death from all causes, with elevated risks for cancer, accidents, and infections. Regular monitoring of patients' physical and mental health is crucial to minimize these risks.
A study led by Lund University researchers found that brief admissions by self-referral can effectively reduce the need for acute visits, admissions, and longer treatment periods among adolescents with borderline personality disorder. The method empowers patients to determine when they need treatment, enhancing their autonomy and sense...
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a novel approach to fight cancer by inducing cancer cells to produce a toxic protein using mRNA molecules. The treatment was successful in eliminating 44-60% of cancer cells in animal models, with no damage to healthy cells.
A newly developed risk calculator based on 11 key factors can accurately predict suicide risk in those who have self-harmed within 6-12 months. The OxSATS scoring system may help inform treatment decisions and resource allocation, pending further validation.
A systematic review found that cancer survivors experience a higher risk of psychological symptoms compared to healthy siblings and controls. Psycho-oncological intervention is recommended for early detection and prevention.
A recent study found that people of color with alcohol use disorder receive less suicide prevention care at emergency departments, despite similar levels of elevated suicide ideation. The research highlights the need for healthcare providers to address disparities in behavioral health care and provide culturally sensitive treatment.
A study found that exposure to events against moral values and lack of confidence about raising safety concerns significantly contributed to staff distress. One-in-ten healthcare workers reported experiencing suicidal thoughts six months after completing a survey.
The USPSTF recommends regular screening for depression in the adult population to address its significant impact on daily functioning. Major depressive disorder can lead to increased mortality if left untreated.
A new study found that LGB adults are more than twice as likely to experience suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors compared to straight peers. Depression, anxiety, and experiences of discrimination and bullying contribute to these increased risks.
A University of Chicago Education Lab study found that a school-based group counseling program can significantly reduce PTSD, anxiety, and depression among Black and Latina girls. The program, Working on Womanhood (WOW), was found to reduce PTSD symptoms by 22% among adolescent girls in Chicago neighborhood schools.
A new study by researchers at York University and ICES found that women who identify as bisexual were more than three times more likely to attempt suicide compared to heterosexual women. Gay men and gay women/lesbians were also at higher risk, with a twice likelihood of attempting suicide.
The June issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services focus on substance use disorders, opioids, and youth self-harm and suicide. The articles highlight the importance of addressing these issues to improve patient outcomes and reduce stigma.
Only 16 US states provide free, detailed, and updated suicide data from their prison systems, but many others have incomplete, sparse, or no data at all. This lack of transparency is in violation of the Death in Custody Reporting Act.
A study analyzing 26,000 people found that loneliness strongly affects suicidal ideation, more so than economic hardship or social isolation, especially after the pandemic period.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that teen girls who experience greater interpersonal stress and have difficulty solving interpersonal problems are at a higher risk of suicidal behavior. The research suggests that problem-solving deficits under distress may contribute to this link.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that fewer boys aged 15-19 commit suicide in Swedish regions with higher bipolar diagnoses. The study, which analyzed registry data from 2008 to 2021, showed an inverse association between population-adjusted bipolar diagnoses and confirmed suicides among males.
The US firearm crisis is preventable with practical public health solutions. Harm reduction and community engagement programs can reduce the impact on individuals, families, and communities. Legislative policies also hold promise, particularly safe storage laws, which correlate with reduced injury and death rates.
Research published in Children and Youth Services Review found that approximately two-thirds (63%) of adult survivors of childhood physical abuse are in complete mental health. Barriers to achieving this include a lack of social support, chronic pain, and a history of mental illness like depression or substance use disorders.
A study by WVU researchers highlights the need for improved mental health programs for first responders, citing increased stress and stigma. The study recommends linking responders with culturally competent clinicians, establishing centralized organizations, and expanding research efforts to address these issues.
Researchers have identified a brain marker that may indicate future suicide risk, suggesting potential new treatments and prevention strategies. The study found differences in brain connections among veterans with a history of suicide attempts compared to those without, which could help identify individuals at risk.
A Rutgers University study found that Black adults, particularly women, who experience discrimination and crime are more likely to own firearms. The study also showed that firearm ownership is associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts among Black adults.
A Pharmacy PhD student from the University of Huddersfield has won a prestigious award to present her research on how community pharmacies can contribute to preventing suicide in low and middle-income countries, particularly in Nigeria. She aims to raise awareness of suicide and train pharmacists to recognize signs and risk factors.
A recent study has identified a brain marker that indicates an individual's likelihood of attempting suicide in the future. Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that changes in brain connectivity between cognitive control and self-referential thought processing networks were present in individuals with a history of...
New research reveals that people experience strongest suicidal thoughts in winter, specifically in December, with a daily peak between 4-5 am. This finding contradicts the common assumption that suicide rates are highest in winter.
A Columbia University study found that casual cannabis use by adolescents raises the risk of depression, suicidality, and problem behaviors. Nondisordered cannabis users were 2-2.5 times more likely to have adverse mental health outcomes and behavioral problems compared to teens who didn’t use cannabis.
The latest May issues of American Psychiatric Association journals focus on new treatments for conditions like trichotillomania, social anxiety disorder, and opioid use disorder. Additionally, a special issue of Focus journal explores suicide preventive interventions and knowledge.
Over the past decade, pediatric emergency department visits related to mental health concerns have significantly increased, with a 5-fold rise in suicide-related cases. The study underscores the urgent need for enhanced crisis and emergency mental health services for young people, particularly those experiencing suicidal symptoms.
A new study identifies four distinct profiles of psychiatric comorbidity in children and adolescents at elevated risk for serious self-harm events. The profiles consider demographic factors, overall psychiatric and medical conditions, and unique patterns of comorbidity that distinguish between age and sex.
Researchers at Columbia University found that increased access to mental health care is associated with lower suicide rates in the US. The study used a new method to measure access to care and found that areas with shorter travel times to providers had significantly lower suicide rates.
The study found that the program increased access to mental health care for thousands of New Jersey residents, with practitioners serving patients in 13 languages and underserved racial or ethnic minority groups. Increasing access to mental health services is crucial during the pandemic, especially given a shortage of providers.
A new meta-analysis found that clozapine is associated with decreased insomnia and a lower risk of suicide in patients with schizophrenia. The study suggests that clozapine's ability to improve sleep quality may be linked to its reduced suicide risk, and highlights the importance of assessing and treating insomnia in these patients.
Researchers found that rural counties bear a greater burden of firearm deaths, with higher rates of gun suicides and lower rates of gun homicides compared to urban counties. The divide in total intentional firearm deaths between urban and rural counties is increasing over time.
A new study from the University of Chicago shows a direct link between social determinants of health and suicide risk, with counties experiencing high levels of social vulnerability having nearly double the suicide rate as those with lower levels. The study proposes several public health policies to address these disparities.
A new study found six suicide clusters, four overdose clusters and nine alcohol-related liver disease clusters in the US west, southeast and Appalachia/rust belt. These co-occurring clusters suggest specific regions at increased risk for deaths of despair warranting public health intervention.
The rate of suspected suicide attempts by poisoning among children and adolescents ages 10-19 increased 30% during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to 2019. The most common substances involved were acetaminophen and ibuprofen, highlighting the need for comprehensive approach to suicide prevention.
The Florida Atlantic University (FAU) WAVES program aims to address the shortage of mental health service providers in high-need schools. With a five-year, $6 million grant from the US Department of Education, FAU will train 119 school counselors to reduce barriers to degree completion and improve student outcomes.
A recent study found a significant rise in cannabis exposures in suspected suicide attempts, with the majority involving other substances. The data highlights the need for increased mental health services and awareness about the risks of cannabis use, particularly among youth.
Researchers have discovered that peer support following a suicide attempt can significantly reduce risk and improve outcomes for individuals with complex needs. The PAUSE program, which incorporates holistic and responsive support, has been shown to be an effective model for supporting people after hospitalizations.
A University of Maryland study found that LGBTQ+ teens experience more suicidal thoughts and self-harm ideation on days when they face high levels of minority stress, including microaggressions and internalized stigma. The study suggests that daily interventions are crucial to reducing these risks.
A new study from the University of Georgia and CDC found that 20% of suicides between 2003 and 2020 were related to issues like breakups, conflict, divorce, and mental health problems. Intimate partner problems were more common among individuals who experienced mental health issues, life stressors, and recent legal issues.
West Virginia University is launching an innovative in-school mental health program to address a critical provider shortage and youth mental health crisis. The program, called the Mountaineer School-Based Mental Health Fellows Program, will place six advanced counseling graduate students in Harrison County schools each year.
A new study found that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant increase in weekday screen time among school-aged children, with boosts of up to 1.35 hours per day. This finding suggests that children used screens to fill time previously spent at school or participating in extra-curricular activities.
A nationwide study found that poor family cohesion among bereaved youth is strongly associated with negative psychological effects years after the loss. The research highlights the importance of supporting families during parental illness and immediately after the loss to improve long-term health and well-being.
A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found a link between opioid prescribing patterns and suicide risk. The researchers analyzed data from 2009-2017 and discovered that regions with the greatest decrease in opioid prescriptions also experienced the greatest decline in suicide deaths. This suggests that policies a...
Psychiatrists at Indiana University School of Medicine found deaths by suicide increased during the week of a full moon, especially in people over age 55. They also identified 3-4 p.m. and September as peak times for suicides.
A recent study found that veteran suicides did not increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, but those with pre-existing loneliness and psychiatric issues were more susceptible to developing new suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Evidence-based prevention efforts targeting these factors can help mitigate suicide risk in this population.
A nationwide study in Denmark found that people living with HIV are at double the risk of depression and treatment with electroconvulsive therapy compared to controls. Siblings of PLWH also face an increased risk of depression, use of antidepressants, and suicide, but lower than for PLWH.
A CAMH-led study found that the probability of using a gun as a means of suicide among Americans increases with alcohol consumption. The study suggests that responsible gun ownership and awareness of alcohol's increased risk are crucial in preventing gun-involved suicides.
Overdose mortality among people aged 65 and older has quadrupled, driven by illicit drugs like fentanyl, heroin, and synthetic opioids. Researchers call for updated Medicare coverage and harm reduction supplies to curb the trend.
A study found that as alcohol consumption increased, the probability of a firearm-involved suicide also rose until a certain blood alcohol concentration was reached. Interventions focusing on heavy alcohol use may help reduce suicide mortality rates, particularly those involving firearms.
A national analysis of pediatric hospitalizations from 2009 to 2019 found a significant increase in mental health diagnoses, with attempted suicide being the leading cause. The study highlights the growing importance of addressing mental health concerns in children and adolescents.
A new study from the University of Illinois Chicago found a substantial increase in crash fatalities in four states with legalized recreational cannabis, with an average 10% increase in motor vehicle accident deaths. The study suggests that investing in policies and public health initiatives may mitigate this harm.