Research on suicide risk and prevention. Covers screening and skills programs, youth emergency visits, and neighborhood risk factors.
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.
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.
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 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 research letter highlights how quickly Colorado's children and teenagers can access a loaded gun, increasing the risk of adolescent suicides and firearm injuries. Nearly one-third of middle and high school students report having access to a gun within 24 hours or under 10 minutes.
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.
A major European study confirms a significant drop in suicides over the last decade, with 15 countries showing a 20% decrease in rates. The study suggests that active measures to prevent suicide may be linked to this decline.
A study from Karolinska Institutet found that melatonin prescription was associated with a lower risk of self-harm in young people with psychiatric disorders, particularly adolescent girls. The risk of self-harm increased before treatment initiation and decreased afterwards.
A new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that exercise was well-tolerated by patients with mental or physical illness and resulted in decreased suicide attempts. The research debunks the myth that these individuals are not motivated to participate in physical exercise regimes.
A new study has found that increased rumination is a predictor of greater severity of suicidal ideation in young people with major depressive disorder. The study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, suggests that elevated cognitive rumination is associated with lower cortical surface area and suicidal ideation.
A new study finds that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), lithium, and clozapine may reduce suicide rates in adolescent men with severe mental illness. The study suggests that early intervention with medico-psychiatric treatment can lower suicide rates among late-teenage boys.
A Rutgers study found that healthcare providers rarely screen their patients for firearm access, with only 17.1% of participants being asked about it. Researchers argue that adding screening to standard practice can provide resources on secure storage to families at risk.
The pediatric death rate in the US sharply rose between 2019 and 2021, offsetting years of progress in medicine and public health. The alarming spike is primarily due to deaths from homicide, accidental drug overdoses, motor vehicle accidents, and suicide among those ages 10-19.
Researchers say parents' well-intentioned efforts to protect children from harm have inadvertently deprived them of independence and opportunities for self-directed play. This decline in 'child's play' is linked to rising anxiety, depression, and suicide rates among school-aged children.
A new study reveals that military members with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) who identify as 'Other' are at a significantly higher risk of suicide and overdose deaths. The study found that the rates of these deaths were highest among members of this group, despite making up only 7.38% of the study sample.
The March issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services focus on major depression treatment advances and suicide risk screening for Indigenous populations. Journalists can access the publications by emailing press@psych.org.
Primary care physicians recommend screening adolescents and young adults for cyberbullying and social media misuse, citing the need for timely intervention due to underreported incidents. Screening tools like R-OBVQ, CBVS, CABS, and MARC can help identify potential risks.
A new Australian study found that assistance dogs used in conjunction with traditional therapies provide the most effective treatment outcomes for defence veterans' mental health. Almost 90% of veterans reported improvements in post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety after being matched with an assistance dog.
A study of 11,633 children aged 9-11 found that increased screen time was associated with a higher risk of developing suicidal behaviors two years later. Each additional hour of screen time led to a 9% higher risk of reporting suicidal behavior.
A CAMH-led study examines national suicide rates in 33 countries over 20 years, identifying eight population-level factors associated with suicide rates. The study highlights the importance of considering gender differences when developing suicide risk reduction initiatives.
Research found that being bullied based on sexual orientation or gender identity was significantly correlated with feelings of sadness and hopelessness, as well as suicide attempts. Cyberbullying, social bullying, and bullying based on race also had significant correlations with mental distress and suicide attempts.
A study published in Pediatrics found that youth suicides increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, with higher-than-expected rates among certain subgroups. The study highlights the importance of suicide preventive interventions tailored to address racial and ethnic disparities.
The study found that estimated national costs of self-injury mortality rose by 143% from $0.46 trillion to $1.12 trillion over a 20-year period, primarily driven by increases in opioid and alcohol-related deaths. West Virginia has the highest per capita cost at $6,534, with total suicide costs increasing 58% to $502.7 billion.
Research suggests that restricted access to abortions will cause severe stress for individuals carrying unwanted pregnancies, which may lead to psychiatric illnesses and developmental problems in children. This stress can exacerbate existing psychiatric vulnerabilities, increasing the risk of relapse or new episodes.
A Rutgers study found that older people living with HIV/AIDS face unmet mental health needs and are more likely to experience PTSD, substance dependence, and suicidal thoughts. Resilience may play a crucial role in increasing adherence to antiretroviral therapy, which is essential to ending the AIDS epidemic.
A study by Pusan National University researchers found that countries closer to the equator have higher suicide rates due to decreased sunlight exposure. The prevalence of suicide increased with latitude, and was found to be higher in men than women, with age also being a significant factor
A large cohort study found that vitamin D supplementation is associated with a reduced risk of suicide attempts among US veterans. The study highlights the importance of vitamin D levels and supplementation in preventing suicidal behaviors, particularly among Black veterans and those with pre-existing low vitamin D.
Researchers found increased rates of pregnancy-associated deaths in the US from 2018 to 2020, with no significant decline. The pandemic contributed to these changes, with rates rising due to various causes including drugs, homicide, and suicide.
A study of 1.4 million individuals found β-blocker use associated with a 13% lower risk of violent crime and an 8% lower risk of hospitalization due to psychiatric disorders. The findings suggest that β-blockers may be considered as a way to manage aggression and hostility in individuals with psychiatric conditions.
Among U.S. children and teenagers, COVID-19 was the 8th leading cause of death in a two-year period, highlighting its significant mortality burden. The study suggests that underreporting and incomplete accounting for COVID-19's role in deaths from other diseases may have underestimated its true impact.