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Child and Adolescent Psychiatric... Apr 2021Suicide rates continue to rise among children and adolescents; suicide is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Although research studies have... (Review)
Review
Suicide rates continue to rise among children and adolescents; suicide is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Although research studies have identified factors associated with suicide risks for youths, none distinguishes those who have suicidal ideation from those who most likely will make an attempt or die by suicide. Most studies focus on psychiatric diagnoses associated with suicide risks. Recent studies suggest that cross-cutting symptom profiles may be a stronger predictor of risks for suicide than diagnosis. This article provides an overview of emotional dysregulation as it relates to suicidal ideation, intent, and behaviors for youth.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Humans; Mental Disorders; Risk Factors; Suicidal Ideation; Suicide; Suicide, Attempted; United States
PubMed: 33743946
DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2020.10.008 -
The Medical Clinics of North America Jan 2023Most suicides have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder, most frequently, a mood disorder. Psychosocial issues and neurobiological abnormalities such as dysregulation in... (Review)
Review
Most suicides have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder, most frequently, a mood disorder. Psychosocial issues and neurobiological abnormalities such as dysregulation in stress response systems contribute to suicidal behavior. All psychiatric patients need to be screened for the presence of suicidal ideation. Clinicians are expected to gather information about patient's clinical features and to formulate decisions about patient's dangerousness to self and the treatment plan. As psychiatric disorders are a major risk factor for suicide their pharmacologic and psychological treatment is of utmost importance to prevent suicide. Restriction of access to lethal means is important for suicide prevention.
Topics: Humans; Suicide; Suicide, Attempted; Suicidal Ideation; Mood Disorders; Risk Factors; Suicide Prevention
PubMed: 36402494
DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2022.03.008 -
Der Nervenarzt Sep 2020In many societies suicide was and is an extremely controversial topic. This review article outlines the historical background of social condemnation of suicidal thoughts... (Review)
Review
In many societies suicide was and is an extremely controversial topic. This review article outlines the historical background of social condemnation of suicidal thoughts and actions in the western world. It summarizes current research results about the consequences of suicide stigma for affected persons and its relevance for suicide prevention. Finally, the next steps in research and prevention are discussed. Over time and in different cultures, the societal judgement of suicide has greatly varied. During antiquity, some philosophers viewed suicide negatively and by the fifth century AD suicide was widely condemned by societies across the western world. Until today suicide remains a taboo topic in Germany and other countries. Current research showed that the social condemnation of suicidal thoughts and behavior (i.e. suicide stigma) is an additional stressor among persons who experience or have experienced suicidality and their relatives. Furthermore, suicide stigma is considered to be a central barrier to seeking help for and disclosure of suicidality. Despite its relevance for suicide prevention, only a few interventions to reduce suicide stigma among members of the general public and to support affected persons in dealing with suicide stigma exist.
Topics: Germany; Social Stigma; Suicidal Ideation; Suicide Prevention
PubMed: 32725491
DOI: 10.1007/s00115-020-00961-6 -
Journal of Psychiatric Research Dec 2020Few studies have compared the three suicidality groups-suicidal ideators (SIs), single suicide attempters (SSAs), and multiple suicide attempters (MSAs)-in relation to...
Few studies have compared the three suicidality groups-suicidal ideators (SIs), single suicide attempters (SSAs), and multiple suicide attempters (MSAs)-in relation to the suicidal process. This cross-sectional study investigated trends and differences in suicide risk factors across suicidality groups. Using the baseline data of the Korean Cohort for the Model Predicting a Suicide and Suicide-related Behavior, we analyzed trends (Jonckheere-Terpstra or Mantel-Haenszel χ test) and differences (analysis of covariance or logistic regression) in sociodemographic and clinical factors, psychiatric diagnoses, as well as clinical rating scores on psychopathology (suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and problem drinking), trait impulsiveness, and stress across suicidality groups. Across suicidality groups comprising 193 SIs, 207 SSAs, and 376 MSAs, we observed a decreasing trend in age and increasing trends in history of early trauma, familial histories of suicide attempts and suicide, most diagnoses and psychopathologies (suicidal ideation, anxiety symptoms, and problem drinking), trait impulsiveness, and stress-with MSAs more likely to have histories of early trauma and familial suicide, almost uniformly higher proportions of diagnoses, and higher psychopathology rating scores. Overall, increasing trends in suicide risk factors were found across all suicidality groups. Notably, MSAs presented greater proportions of most psychiatric diagnoses and higher degrees of most psychopathologies, motor impulsiveness, and stress, indicating they were at more severe clinical states and were closer to suicide. Mental health professionals should ascertain the number of suicide attempts to identify MSAs, implement more thorough evaluations, and employ additional measures for reducing motor impulsiveness.
Topics: Cohort Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Risk Factors; Suicidal Ideation; Suicide, Attempted
PubMed: 32891923
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.08.018 -
Medicine, Conflict, and Survival Mar 2023Suicide is the third-leading cause of death globally, predominantly among youth. We aimed at reviewing the available published literature and some reports about suicide,... (Review)
Review
Suicide is the third-leading cause of death globally, predominantly among youth. We aimed at reviewing the available published literature and some reports about suicide, in an attempt to unveil aspects of this mental health problem in Iraq. Articles about suicide in Arab/Middle Eastern countries were also included to compare those populations of a similar race and religion. The estimated suicide rate in Iraq is 1.7/100000 population (mostly among youth), which is still lower than in western countries. However, underreporting is the reason actual numbers are not known and many who attempt suicide do not report it and so hide their intent to die. The most common method of suicide is self-hanging, followed by firearms, self-burning, and self-poisoning. Suicide and suicidality in Iraq are on the increase even though it is believed to be underreported. Many socio-demographic, psychological and environmental factors predispose to ideation, attempts, and completed suicides despite the religious and social taboos. Young females are more represented in suicide attempts and ideation using potentially lethal methods like self-burning as a consequence of higher rates of depression, community and domestic violence. A key component in suicide prevention is improving the accessibility and quality of mental and social health care services.
Topics: Female; Adolescent; Humans; Iraq; Suicide; Suicide, Attempted; Suicidal Ideation; Suicide Prevention
PubMed: 36721333
DOI: 10.1080/13623699.2023.2170580 -
The Australian and New Zealand Journal... May 2021The risk of suicide in contemporary serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force personnel is an area of significant concern, driving government-directed inquiries,... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The risk of suicide in contemporary serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force personnel is an area of significant concern, driving government-directed inquiries, community campaigns and most recently, the establishment of a permanent National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention. This concern is mirrored in international militaries and despite investment in prevention programmes, suicide is a leading cause of death in military populations. This review seeks to summarise recent findings from Australian research regarding the magnitude and factors associated with suicide and suicidality in contemporary serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force populations and discusses research findings, implications and future opportunities.
METHODS
Initial review of the prevalence of suicide and suicidality in the general community and military populations is presented, followed by review of recent research findings pertaining to suicides and suicidal thoughts, plans and attempts in contemporary serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force personnel. Key findings are presented from the 2010 Australian Defence Force Mental Health and Wellbeing Prevalence Study and the 2015 Transition and Wellbeing Research Programme.
RESULTS
Differences between serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force cohorts were observed, with rates of completed suicide in ex-serving Australian Defence Force males more than double that of serving Australian Defence Force males, and increased risk for suicidality observed among those who had recently transitioned out of full-time Australian Defence Force service. Risk for increased suicidality and completed suicide is particularly evident for younger males of lower ranks, and those who have been medically discharged.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings provide insight into career phases and groups that should be followed-up and targeted for prevention and early intervention programmes, including prior to and several years following transition out of full-time military service. Further research to better understand the factors that influence those who develop suicidal ideation, and those who progress to plans and attempts, will inform a more sophisticated approach to suicide prevention programmes.
Topics: Australia; Humans; Male; Military Personnel; Risk Factors; Suicidal Ideation; Suicide; Suicide, Attempted
PubMed: 33726567
DOI: 10.1177/0004867421998751 -
The International Journal of... Mar 2022Suicide is a global health crisis. However, no objective biomarkers of suicide risk currently exist, and self-reported data can be unreliable, which limits prediction,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Suicide is a global health crisis. However, no objective biomarkers of suicide risk currently exist, and self-reported data can be unreliable, which limits prediction, diagnostic, and treatment efforts. Reliable biomarkers that can differentiate between diagnostic subgroups, predict worsening symptoms, or suggest novel therapeutic targets would be extremely valuable for patients, researchers, and clinicians.
METHODS
MEDLINE was searched for reports published between 2016 and 2021 using search terms (suicid*) AND (biomarker*) OR (indicat*). Reports that compared biomarkers between suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, death from suicide, or any suicide subgroup against other neuropsychiatric disorders were included. Studies exclusively comparing suicidal behavior or death from suicide with healthy controls were not included to ensure that biomarkers were specific to suicide and not other psychopathology.
RESULTS
This review summarizes the last 5 years of research into suicide-associated biomarkers and provides a comprehensive guide for promising and novel biomarkers that encompass varying presentations of suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and death by suicide. The serotonergic system, inflammation, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, lipids, and endocannabinoids emerged as the most promising diagnostic, predictive, and therapeutic indicators.
CONCLUSIONS
The utility of diagnostic and predictive biomarkers is evident, particularly for suicide prevention. While larger-scale studies and further in-depth research are required, the last 5 years of research has uncovered essential biomarkers that could ultimately improve predictive strategies, aid diagnostics, and help develop future therapeutic targets.
Topics: Biomarkers; Humans; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Pituitary-Adrenal System; Risk Factors; Suicidal Ideation; Suicide, Attempted
PubMed: 34865007
DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyab083 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Jun 2023Exposure to pesticides has been proposed to be a positive association in suicide and suicidality. Many studies have explored this topic, but have reported inconsistent... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Exposure to pesticides has been proposed to be a positive association in suicide and suicidality. Many studies have explored this topic, but have reported inconsistent findings. We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of the now existing evidence on the association between pesticide exposure and the risk of suicide and suicidality. We searched PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases for studies published up to February 1, 2023. For studies that provided detailed data, we applied quantitative meta-analysis to calculate Odds ratio (OR) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) to evaluate the results. Heterogeneity among the included studies was assessed using Cochran's Q test, I statistic and tau-squared (τ). Publication bias was evaluated by funnel plots, Egger's test, and Begg's test. In addition, subgroup analyses according to pesticides category and geographical area were performed. 2906 studies were initially identified, and 20 studies were eventually included. Fifteen of the studies were on suicide deaths and suicide attempts, and five were on suicidal ideation. Pesticide exposure was positively related to suicide deaths and suicide attempts (pooled OR = 1.31; 95%CI: 1.04-1.64, p < 0.001) and suicidal ideation (pooled OR = 2.43; 95%CI: 1.51-3.91, p = 0.015). In the subgroup analysis, mixed pesticide type (pooled OR = 1.55; 95%CI: 1.39-1.74) increased the risk of suicide deaths and suicide attempts. The results of the analysis by geographic area showed that the risk of suicide deaths and suicide attempts with pesticide exposure was 2.27 (95%CI = 1.36-3.78), and 1.33 (95%CI = 1.14-1.56) in Asia and Europe, respectively. The risk of suicidal ideation caused by pesticide exposure in Asia and America were 2.19 (95%CI = 1.08-4.42) and 2.99 (95%CI = 1.76-5.06). In conclusion, pesticide exposure may increase the risk of suicide and suicidality based on the current evidence.
Topics: Humans; Suicidal Ideation; Suicide; Suicide, Attempted; Asia; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 37011781
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121542 -
Archives of Suicide Research : Official... 2023Suicide prevention is an emotive, complex goal for clinicians and health systems. Effective interventions for suicidality do exist; however, many patients do not receive... (Review)
Review
Suicide prevention is an emotive, complex goal for clinicians and health systems. Effective interventions for suicidality do exist; however, many patients do not receive them because implementation efforts tend to be time-limited and unsystematic. Implementation science is the study of methods to promote the systematic uptake of research findings and other evidence-based practices into routine practice. This narrative review introduces implementation science to suicide researchers, with a special focus on healthcare settings. We outline prominent theories, methods, and measures, as well as examples of implementation research from suicidology. By embracing the principles of implementation science, suicidologists can help to close the gap between evidence-based practice and routine practice, thereby improving the delivery and uptake of suicide-related interventions and prevention programs.
Topics: Humans; Implementation Science; Suicide; Suicide Prevention; Suicidal Ideation
PubMed: 36267036
DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2022.2131490 -
Crisis Sep 2023There is substantial variability, by culture, in suicide rates, and also in suicide beliefs and attitudes. Suicide beliefs and attitudes predict actual suicidality....
There is substantial variability, by culture, in suicide rates, and also in suicide beliefs and attitudes. Suicide beliefs and attitudes predict actual suicidality. They also are elements of cultural scripts of suicide. Most suicide-scripts research has been conducted in Anglophone countries. This study investigates women's and men's suicide scripts in Italy. Italy's suicide scripts, including beliefs about what causes suicide, were explored via analyses of newspaper stories ( = 923) of women's and men's suicides. Italian newspapers mostly featured men's suicide stories, consistent with Italian men's higher suicide mortality. Women's suicide was narrated as an unexpected act signaling personal (e.g., emotional and private-relationship) problems. By contrast, men's suicide was framed as relatively understandable response to serious public-life/social adversities (e.g., an economic downturn), and as a death of legitimate despair. Social media suicide stories were not included in this study. In Italy, as in several countries with higher male suicide mortality, female suicide is psychologized and considered irrational while male suicide is viewed as a symptom of serious public-life/social problems, and therefore as deserving respect and empathy. The preference for social explanations of male suicide, together with the empathic attitudes, may contribute to male suicide being relatively more permissible and less stigmatized, and therefore also to men's higher suicide mortality.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Suicide; Men; Suicidal Ideation; Italy
PubMed: 36537714
DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000890