Suicide Attempt as a Risk Factor for Completed Suicide: Even More Lethal Than We Knew

Smartphone-based Ecological Momentary Intervention for secondary prevention of suicidal thoughts and behaviour: protocol for the SmartCrisis V.2.0 randomised clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Suicide is one of the leading public health issues worldwide. Mobile health can help us to combat suicide through monitoring and treatment. The SmartCrisis V.2.0 randomised clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a smartphone-based Ecological Momentary Intervention to prevent suicidal thoughts and behaviour.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The SmartCrisis V.2.0 study is a randomised clinical trial with two parallel groups, conducted among patients with a history of suicidal behaviour treated at five sites in France and Spain. The intervention group will be monitored using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) and will receive an Ecological Momentary Intervention called 'SmartSafe' in addition to their treatment as usual (TAU). TAU will consist of mental health follow-up of the patient (scheduled appointments with a psychiatrist) in an outpatient Suicide Prevention programme, with predetermined clinical appointments according to the Brief Intervention Contact recommendations (1, 2, 4, 7 and 11 weeks and 4, 6, 9 and 12 months). The control group would receive TAU and be monitored using EMA.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the University Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz. It is expected that, in the near future, our mobile health intervention and monitoring system can be implemented in routine clinical practice. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and psychiatric congresses. Reference number EC005-21_FJD. Participants gave informed consent to participate in the study before taking part.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04775160.

Optimal Care Pathways for People in Suicidal Crisis Who Interact with First Responders: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

First responders play a vital role in attending to people in suicidal crisis and influencing their care.

AIMS

To examine existing care pathways and models of care that could be used for people in a suicidal crisis who have come to the attention of first responders.

METHODS

A scoping review of academic and grey literature published between 2009 and 2019 was conducted, supplemented by consultation with experts, service providers and people with lived experience.

RESULTS

The search identified 703 studies. Twenty-three peer reviewed and grey literature articles, as well as one personal communication, were considered eligible for inclusion. Six models, covering 22 programs, were identified. No studies were identified that described care pathways, per se. Co-responder and safe haven models were associated with reduced hospital use and police detentions. Aftercare models were associated with improved well-being and reduction in symptoms. Co-responder, safe haven, and aftercare models were all rated positively by service users. No studies measured the impact on longer term suicidality.

LIMITATIONS

Inclusion criteria were broad resulting in heterogeneity of studies and designs, limiting comparisons. Few studies employed standardised measurement protocols, reducing the ability to draw sound conclusions.

CONCLUSION

Several novel programs have the potential to support individuals in crisis who encounter first responders.

Magnetoencephalography biomarkers of suicide attempt history and antidepressant response to ketamine in treatment-resistant major depression

BACKGROUND

This study examined magnetoencephalographic (MEG) correlates of suicidal ideation (SI) and suicide attempt history in patients with treatment-resistant major depression (TRD) at baseline and following subanesthetic-dose ketamine infusion.

METHODS

Twenty-nine drug-free TRD patients (12 suicide attempters/17 non-attempters) participated in a crossover randomized trial of ketamine. MEG data were collected during an attentional dot probe task with emotional face stimuli at baseline and several hours post-ketamine infusion. Synthetic aperture magnetometry was used to project source power in the theta, alpha, beta, and gamma frequencies for angry-neutral, happy-neutral, and neutral-neutral face pairings during a one-second peristimulus period. Mixed models were used to test for clinical, behavioral, and electrophysiological effects of group, emotion, session, and SI score.

RESULTS

Ketamine significantly reduced SI and depression across the sample. Post-ketamine, attempters had improved accuracy and non-attempters had reduced accuracy on the task. SI was positively associated with gamma power in regions of the frontal and parietal cortices across groups. In an extended amygdala-hippocampal region, attempters differed significantly in their emotional reactivity to angry versus happy faces as indexed by theta power differences, irrespective of drug. Ketamine significantly reduced the association between alpha power and SI for angry compared with happy faces in a fronto-insular/anterior cingulate region important for regulating sensory attentiveness.

LIMITATIONS

Limitations include a small sample size of attempters.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings highlight key differences in band-limited power between attempters and non-attempters and reinforce previous findings that ketamine has distinct response properties in patients with a suicide history.

Why are women more likely to attempt suicide than men? Analysis of lifetime suicide attempts among US adults in a nationally representative sample

OBJECTIVE

While it is well-known that women are more likely to attempt suicide than men, little is known about risk and protective factors underlying this difference.

METHODS

Using data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions Wave III (NESARC-III), we compared women and men with and without self-reported lifetime suicide attempts to identify sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics that were associated with suicide attempts for each gender. We then examined the interaction of gender and risk factors to identify specific factors that have a significantly different association with the risk of suicide attempts by gender. Multivariate analyses identified factors that were independently associated with a significant interaction of gender and risk of suicide attempt and the extent to which these interactions accounted for the greater risk of suicide attempts among women.

RESULTS

In unadjusted analysis, women had 1.78 greater odds of self-reported lifetime suicide attempts than men (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.61-1.96). While men and women shared similar risk and protective factors for suicide attempts, several factors were associated with significantly different risks for women than men. In multivariate analysis, these factors only partially accounted for the gender difference in lifetime risk of suicide attempt (adjusted odds ratio, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.12-2.08).

CONCLUSIONS

Several risk factors for suicide attempts appear to have significantly different magnitude of association among women and men; however, these differences only partially account for gender difference in risk for suicide attempts, suggesting that other factors, not measured in this study, are at play.

The association between childhood maltreatment and suicidal intrusions: A cross-sectional study

Childhood maltreatment may play an important role in the transition from suicidal ideation to suicidal behavior. Recently, research has begun evaluating the association between childhood maltreatment and involuntary and distressing intrusions about one's own suicide, also called suicidal intrusions. This cross-sectional, multicenter study aimed to investigate the association between childhood maltreatment and the severity of suicidal intrusions using online questionnaires. Participants were suicidal outpatients currently receiving treatment at a Dutch mental health institution (N = 149). The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form and Suicidal Intrusions Attributes Scale were administered online. A simple linear regression was performed followed by a multiple linear regression with backward selection to separate the predictors of childhood maltreatment subscales. Next, significant predictor variables were used to perform an additional regression analysis with gender, age, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis, and depressive symptoms as potential covariates. The results showed that childhood maltreatment was significantly associated with suicidal intrusion scores, B = .22, t(147) = 2.010, p = .046. A multiple linear regression analysis showed that the only specific form of childhood maltreatment associated with suicidal intrusions was sexual abuse; the association remained after controlling for age, gender, PTSD diagnosis and depressive symptoms, F(5, 143) = 11.15, p < .001. In summary, the present study confirms the link between childhood maltreatment, particularly childhood sexual abuse, and suicidal intrusions. This finding implies that in the treatment of suicidal intrusions and suicidality, childhood sexual abuse should be identified and targeted with evidence-based treatments for PTSD.

Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among university students in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic: the application of interpersonal-psychological theory and early maladaptive schema

Background

This study examined the application of interpersonal-psychological theory and early maladaptive schema of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in South Korean university students.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, data from 367 university students were surveyed using the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, Early Maladaptive Schema, Suicide Ideation Scale, and the Acquired Capability for Suicide Scale. Data were collected between June 21 and July 21, 2021.

Results

University students' interpersonal needs and early maladaptive schema were significantly associated with suicidal ideation, and influencing suicide attempts. The acquired capability for suicide moderated the relationship between suicidal ideation and attempts.

Conclusions

In suicide prevention programs for university students, it is critical to consider their interpersonal needs and early maladaptive schema, and the acquired capability for suicide, to prevent suicidal ideation and attempts among them.

Sex-specific factors associated with lifetime suicide attempt among patients with alcohol use disorders

BACKGROUND

Patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) are at high risk for suicide attempts. Mental health problems along with AUD-related factors may contribute to this increased risk. Studies have shown sex differences in rates and correlates of suicide attempts.

AIMS

The purpose of the study was to examine mental-health-related and AUD-related factors associated with suicide attempt separately in female and male AUD patients.

METHOD

We collected information about lifetime suicide attempt and mental-health- and AUD-related factors for AUD in-patients (n = 114; 32 females) receiving rehabilitative treatment.

RESULTS

The prevalence of lifetime suicide attempt was 27%, and the rate was similar in both sexes. Among females, current depressive symptoms and current post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis were associated with suicide attempt. In male AUD patients, among the mental-health-related factors, lifetime major depression, panic disorder, social phobia, childhood sexual abuse and antisocial personality disorder were associated with suicide attempt. In addition, AUD-related factors including longer duration of drinking, history of delirium tremens, greater severity of AUD and lower levels of prolactin were associated with suicide attempt in males.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that suicide attempts in female AUD patients were more mental-health-related, whereas those in males were also related to the severity of AUD. This suggests that a suicide prevention programme for AUD patients would benefit from a sex-based understanding of the risk factors.

Associating factors of suicide and repetition following self-harm: A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies

BACKGROUND

Longitudinal evidence for sociodemographic and clinic factors deviating risk for suicide and repetition following SH (self-harm) varied greatly.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and PsycINFO was conducted from January 1st, 2010 to April 5th, 2022. Longitudinal studies focusing on examining associating factors for suicide and repetition following SH were included. PROSPERO registration CRD42021248695.

FINDINGS

The present meta-analysis synthesized data from 62 studies published from Jan. 1st, 2010. The associating factors of SH repetition included female gender (RR, 95%CI: 1.11, 1.04-1.18, I²=82.8%), the elderly (compared with adolescents and young adults, RR, 95%CI: 0.67, 0.52-0.87, I²=86.3%), multiple episodes of SH (RR, 95%CI: 1.97, 1.51-2.57, I²=94.3%), diagnosis (RR, 95%CI: 1.60, 1.27-2.02, I²=92.7%) and treatment (RR, 95%CI: 1.59, 1.40-1.80, I²=93.3%) of psychiatric disorder. Male gender (RR, 95%CI: 2.03, 1.80-2.28, I²=83.8%), middle-aged adults (compared with adolescents and young adults, RR, 95%CI: 2.40, 1.87-3.08, I²=74.4%), the elderly (compared with adolescents and young adults, RR, 95%CI: 4.38, 2.98-6.44, I²=76.8%), physical illness (RR, 95%CI: 1.95, 1.56-2.43, I²=0), multiple episodes of SH (RR, 95%CI: 2.02, 1.58-2.58, I²=87.4%), diagnosis (RR, 95%CI: 2.13, 1.67-2.71, I²=90.9%) and treatment (RR, 95%CI: 1.36, 1.16-1.58, I²=58.6%) of psychiatric disorder were associated with increased risk of suicide following SH.

INTERPRETATION

Due to the substantial heterogeneity for clinic factors of suicide and repetition following SH, these results need to be interpreted with caution. Clinics should pay more attention to the cases with SH repetition, especially with poor physical and psychiatric conditions.

FUNDING

This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) [No: 82103954; 30972527; 81573233].

The Moderating Role of Stress Response on the Relationship Between Subjective Sleep Quality and Suicide Ideation in Adolescence

OBJECTIVE

Problems sleeping and stress are known to contribute to the development of suicide ideation. However, it is unclear how these risk factors interact longitudinally. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of problems sleeping on the development of suicide ideation in adolescence one year later and how the relationship changes with the addition of stress as a moderator.

METHOD

Data were collected from 153 adolescents (M age = 12.8, SD = 1.6) over three years as part of a larger study. Participants completed the MINI-Kid and Youth Self-Report, which were used to assess for suicidality. The Stress scale of the YSR was used to measure stress. Participants also completed the Adolescent Sleep Wake Scale, which was used to assess their perceptions of their sleep quality.

RESULTS

Logistic moderation analyses demonstrated a significant interaction between ASWS and YSR Stress in the prediction of suicide ideation one year later, Wald χ²(1)=4.57, OR = 0.68, p < 0.05. Results demonstrated higher odds of endorsing SI as stress increased when sleep quality was poor (OR = 21.51) compared to when sleep quality was high (OR = 4.03), suggesting that adequate sleep may act as a protective factor against suicide ideation.

CONCLUSIONS

The results are indicative of long-term consequences of sleep on adolescent mental health, particularly when faced with high levels of stress. These results may have significant clinical implications for suicide prevention efforts as this relationship may help identify at-risk adolescents prior to the initial experience of suicide ideation.

Assessment of lethality and its clinical correlates in suicide attempters with mood disorders

BACKGROUND

Relatively limited literature is available on lethality assessment for suicide attempts in affective disorders from the Indian subcontinent.

AIMS

To assess the lethality and its clinical correlates in lifetime suicide attempters with mood disorders.

METHODS

A total of 100 lifetime suicide attempters, aged ≥18 years, with a DSM-5 diagnosis of bipolar disorder (BD) or major depressive disorder-recurrent (MDD-R) were recruited. Current euthymia was ascertained (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) ≤7; Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) ≤4). Assessments were conducted using clinical pro forma, Risk-Rescue Rating Scale (RRRS), Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and Barratt's Impulsiveness Scale (BIS).

RESULTS

Average age of the sample was 36.32 ± 11.76 years (48% males, 52% females). The mean duration of affective illness was 10.59 ± 8.32 years. Risk-rescue scores for lethality were significantly higher in males (vs females), bipolar disorder (vs unipolar), multiple attempters (vs single) and planned (vs unplanned) attempters. Risk-rescue score also showed a significant positive correlation with lifetime total and depressive episodes, and intensity of ideations, and a significant negative correlation with BIS-attention impulsiveness. Regression analysis [F (3,96) = 12.196, P < 0.001, adjusted R² = 0.253] found that lifetime lithium prescription, intensity of suicidal ideations and attention impulsiveness explained 25.3% variance in lethality.

CONCLUSION

Absence of lifetime lithium, higher intensity of suicidal ideations and lower attentional impulsiveness predicted higher lethality of suicide attempts. Lethality of suicide attempts was found to be associated with a multitude of clinical factors, notably male gender, bipolarity, multiple attempts, planned attempts and number of total and depressive episodes. Assessment of lethality and its correlates can help to plan strategies towards risk prevention in mood disorders.

Examining Factors Influencing the Differential Reporting of Suicide Attempt History Among Undergraduates at Elevated Suicide Risk

AIM

Prior studies suggest that individuals may respond inconsistently to different assessments of suicide attempt (SA) history; yet, little is known regarding why inconsistent reporting of SA history may occur. The overarching goal of this study was to examine individuals' self-reported reasons for inconsistently responding to different self-report measures designed to assess SA history.

METHODS

Young adults who reported a lifetime history of suicidal ideation (N = 141) completed three different self-report measures of SA history: the (1) Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSS), (2) Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R), and (3) Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview-Short Form (SITBI-SF). All measures were administered in a randomized order to control for potential order effects. Descriptive statistics were used to test study aims.

RESULTS

Of the sample, 75% of participants denied an SA history across all three measures, 16% reported an SA history across all measures ("consistent responders"), and 9% responded inconsistently to SA history measures ("inconsistent responders"). Of the 9% (n = 12) of participants who inconsistently responded to SA history measures, the most commonly reported reasons for inconsistent reporting were that the definition of the term "attempt" was not made clear and that the participant did not read the SA history probes carefully.

CONCLUSION

Findings from this study underscore a need for increased efforts to improve SA history assessments.HIGHLIGHTSSome individuals may provide inconsistent responses across different suicide attempt measures.Confusion about the definition of a "suicide attempt" may lead to inconsistent responding.Further research is needed to improve our assessment of suicide attempt history.

Intersectionality in pandemic youth suicide attempt trends

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased distress at a societal level, with youth and young people bearing a disproportionate burden. A series of recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports has highlighted emergency department (ED) visit rates for suicide attempts among youth ages 12-25 during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study expands those analyses by adding race and ethnicity to the examination of suspected suicide attempts among youth.

METHODS

This study uses National Syndromic Surveillance Program (NSSP) data for Wisconsin from hospitals that consistently reported ED visits between the study period of January 1, 2019 and September 30, 2021. Suspected suicide attempt visits were identified using the CDC-developed suicide attempt query.

RESULTS

During the study period, there were 8915 ED visits for suicide attempts by children and youth ages 12-25 in Wisconsin's NSSP system. We confirm gendered patterns of ED visit rates for suspected suicide attempts among youth that were first noted in studies using a non-representative national dataset. Large and significant 2019 vs. 2021 increases were noted for Black females ages 12-17 (79% increase) and White non-Hispanic females ages 12-17 (58%), but no significant change for Hispanic females ages 12-17. Black females ages 18-25 had high and relatively stable rates throughout this period.

Ego-resiliency moderates the risk of depression and social anxiety symptoms on suicidal ideation in medical students

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the role of protective factors in suicidal ideation among medical students. This study aimed to examine the association between suicidal ideation and protective (self-esteem/ego-resiliency/social support) and risk (depression/social anxiety) factors.

METHODS

Data on sociodemographic factors, depression, social anxiety, self-esteem, ego-resiliency, social support, and current suicidal ideation were collected from 408 medical students. A logistic regression model was constructed to identify the independent impact of potential influencing factors on suicidal ideation. Potential moderating effects were also explored.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight participants (9.3%) reported experiencing suicidal ideation. Younger age, higher levels of depression, social anxiety, and lower levels of self-esteem, ego-resiliency, and social support were found to be significantly correlated with suicidal ideation. In the final model, higher levels of depression and social anxiety were associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation, while higher levels of self-esteem and social support were associated with a decreased risk of suicidal ideation. Although the independent effect was not significant, the interactions of ego-resiliency with both depression and social anxiety on suicidal ideation were significant. Higher levels of ego-resiliency acted as a buffer against suicidal ideation among those with higher levels of depression or social anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to risk factors, this study revealed the underlying protective and moderating factors of suicidal ideation among medical students. Mental health programs focusing on enhancing ego-resiliency, self-esteem, and social support may contribute to suicide prevention in medical students.

Level of Suicidal Ideation Among Callers to the Danish Suicide Prevention Helpline

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to: (1) determine the proportion of callers to a national helpline for suicide prevention who were evaluated to be at risk of suicide; (2) identify characteristics associated with being at risk; (3) determine the level of suicidal ideation among callers, as measured by a clinical scale, and compared to the general population.

METHOD

Data on all calls answered at the Danish helpline for suicide prevention during 2018-2019 were analyzed. These consisted of socio-demographic covariates and items related to suicidality, including the Suicidal Ideation Attribute Scale (SIDAS). Data on SIDAS for the general population derived from a survey. Being at risk of suicide, as evaluated by the counselors, was examined as outcome in adjusted logistic regressions.

RESULTS

Among 42,393 answered calls, 24,933 (59%) related to personal concerns. Of these, 47% and 14% of callers, respectively, had suicidal thoughts and concrete suicidal plans, while 53% were evaluated to be at risk. Higher risks were found when issues related to self-harm, mental health problems, eating disorders, incest, physical health problems, substance abuse, or sexual assault were mentioned. In all 37% of callers who were administered the SIDAS scale were evaluated to be at high risk of suicide compared to 1.5% in the general population.

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial share of callers to a national helpline for suicide prevention were evaluated to be at risk of suicide, also when using a clinical scale. This emphasizes the potential for counselors to prevent suicidal behavior.HighlightsMore than half of callers reaching out to the helpline were evaluated to be at risk of suicide, and 37% were identified as being at high risk using SIDAS, a clinical scale.Being woman, of younger age, having a history of previous suicide attempt as well as experiencing problems related to self-harm, mental disorders, sexual assault, substance abuse, and physical health problems was associated with risk of suicide, as evaluated by counselors.This seemingly is the first study to compare clinical scores of helpline callers to those of the general population and significantly higher levels of suicidal ideation were found among helpline callers.

Analysis of the completeness of self-harm and suicide records in Pernambuco, Brazil, 2014-2016

INTRODUCTION

Suicides and suicide attempts are major public health problems, and coping strategies are hampered by insufficient or inadequate notifications. Data accuracy influences the formulation of public and mental health policies and suicide prevention strategies. The objective of this study was to analyze the completeness of self-harm and suicide records in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, 2014-2016.

METHODS

This is an evaluative study with a descriptive design. The data were collected from suicide attempt records from the Notifiable Diseases Information System and suicide records from the Mortality Information System. Probabilistic linkage was used to relate these databases, and the degree of completeness of the variables was calculated. Completeness was classified into the following categories: good (≥ 75.1%), regular (50.1%-75.0%), low (25.1%-50.0%), and very low (≤ 25.0%).

RESULTS

In the analyzed period, 1,404 notifications of self-harm were studied, with an overall mean completeness of 86.2%. In addition, 1,050 suicide records were analyzed, with an overall mean completeness of 95.8%. Most variables referring to suicide attempts had good completeness, with the exception of the variables "occupation" and "education." The completeness of all suicide-related variables was rated as good. After linkage, a significant improvement was observed in the degree of completeness of the variable "occupation".

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed that the completeness of self-harm and suicide variables improved from the first to the last year. The integration of data from different information systems provides an opportunity to improve suicide prevention programs and the quality of available information. Continuous efforts to increase the completeness and reliability of suicide surveillance systems are fundamental to describe the epidemiological profile and, consequently, plan preventive actions, in addition to contributing to the development and reformulation of strategies aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality related to suicidal behavior.

Suicidality among sexual minority and transgender adolescents: a nationally representative population-based study of youth in Canada

BACKGROUND

Very little research has described risk of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt among transgender youth using high-quality, nationally representative data. We aimed to assess risk of suicidality among transgender and sexual minority adolescents in Canada.

METHODS

We analyzed a subsample of adolescents aged 15-17 years from the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey. We defined participants' transgender identity (self-reported gender different from sex assigned at birth) and sexual minority status (self-reported attraction to people of the same gender) as exposures, and their self-reported previous-year suicidal ideation and lifetime suicide attempt as outcomes.

RESULTS

We included 6800 adolescents aged 15-17 years, including 1130 (16.5%) who indicated some degree of same-gender attraction, 265 (4.3%) who were unsure of their attraction and 50 (0.6%) who reported a transgender identity. Compared with cisgender, heterosexual adolescents, transgender adolescents showed 5 times the risk of suicidal ideation (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.63 to 6.75; 58% v. 10%) and 7.6 times the risk of suicide attempt (95% CI 4.76 to 12.10; 40% v. 5%). Among cisgender adolescents, girls attracted to girls had 3.6 times the risk of previous-year suicidal ideation (95% CI 2.59 to 5.08) and 3.3 times the risk of having ever attempted suicide (95% CI 1.81 to 6.06), compared with their heterosexual peers. Adolescents attracted to multiple genders had 2.5 times the risk of suicidal ideation (95% CI 2.12 to 2.98) and 2.8 times the risk of suicide attempt (95% CI 2.18 to 3.68). Youth questioning their sexual orientation had twice the risk of having attempted suicide in their lifetime (95% CI 1.23 to 3.36).

INTERPRETATION

We observed that transgender and sexual minority adolescents were at increased risk of suicidal ideation and attempt compared with their cisgender and heterosexual peers. These findings highlight the need for inclusive prevention approaches to address suicidality among Canada's diverse youth population.

Suicide and non-suicide mortality and associated risk factors among suicide attempters: A 10-year follow-up of a large cohort in rural China

Previous suicide attempt is a strong risk factor for subsequent suicide and other causes of mortality, but evidence from China is sparse. In this study, follow up face-to-face interviews were conducted with suicide attempters or a key informant, and any subsequent deaths were examined through local cause-of-death censoring databases to ascertain details surrounding the death. Competitive risk models and Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to ascertain significant risk factors of suicide, non-suicide and overall deaths following suicide attempt. Predictive nomograms were also constructed to predict the probability of suicide, non-suicide, and overall deaths. A total of 1103 suicide attempters were successfully interviewed with an average follow-up time of 7.48 (7.38-7.57) years. The cumulative rates of suicide at 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 years were 0.27%, 0.63%, 0.91%, 1.56%, and 1.83%, respectively. Factors significantly associated with subsequent suicide were advancing age, history of suicide attempt, and mental disorders. Significant risk factors for non-suicide death included males, advancing age, and physical illness. Overall deaths during the follow-up period were associated with males, advancing age, physical illness, and mental disorders. Predictive models showed good ability with satisfactory C-indexes (between 0.77 and 0.86) and excellent calibration performance in predicting the varying causes of subsequent death among suicide attempters in rural China.

Factors influencing the successful connection of deliberate self-injury patients to community-based mental health centers

OBJECTIVE

The emergency department (ED) is a good place to start preventing actions for suicide attempters. As a preventive factor, early intervention, follow-up management, and connection with community-based mental health care are important. We aimed to determine which factors were important for a successful connection to community-based mental health care services.

METHODS

This study was conducted at two tertiary teaching hospitals from January 2018 to December 2020. There were 1016 deliberate self-harm patients who received the four weeks of follow-up intervention.

RESULTS

There were 166 patients in the connected group and 850 patients in the non-connected group. In the logistic regression analysis for the successful connection to community-based mental health care, married patients had an odds ratio (OR) 1.627 (95% CI 0.960-2.758), 1.314 OR (95% CI 0.619-2.790) of separated patients and 5.317 OR (CI 1.864-15.168) of widowed patients compared to single patients. And face-to-face follow-up management had 2.630 OR (95% CI 1.815-3.811) to the successful connection rate to community-based mental healthcare compared to the patients in non-face-to-face management.

CONCLUSION

When deliberately self-injured patients who visited the ED received short-term follow-up intervention after emergency treatment, face-to-face follow-up intervention had a higher connection rate to community-based mental healthcare centers than non-face-to-face follow-up intervention. In the future, for deliberate self-harm patients who visit the ED, the ED staff should manage deliberate self-harm through early detection and face-to-face follow-up intervention, and other methods that can compensate for face-to-face follow-up intervention.

Suicide mortality after a nonfatal suicide attempt: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Deliberate self-harm and suicide attempts share common risk factors but are associated with different epidemiological features. While the rate of suicide after deliberate self-harm has been evaluated in meta-analyses, the specific rate of death by suicide after a previous suicide attempt has never been assessed. The aim of our study was to estimate the incidence of death by suicide after a nonfatal suicide attempt.

METHOD

We developed and followed a standard meta-analysis protocol (systematic review registration-PROSPERO 2021: CRD42021221111). Randomized controlled trials and cohort studies published between 1970 and 2020 focusing on the rate of suicide after suicide attempt were identified in PubMed, PsycInfo and Scopus and qualitatively described. The rates of deaths by suicide at 1, 5 and 10 years after a nonfatal suicide attempt were pooled in a meta-analysis using a random-effects model. Subgroup analysis and meta-regressions were also performed.

RESULTS

Our meta-analysis is based on 41 studies. The suicide rate after a nonfatal suicide attempt was 2.8% (2.2-3.5) at 1 year, 5.6% (3.9-7.9) at 5 years and 7.4% (5.2-10.4) at 10 years. Estimates of the suicide rate vary widely depending on the psychiatric diagnosis, the method used for the suicide attempt, the type of study and the age group considered.

CONCLUSION

The evidence of a high rate of suicide deaths in the year following nonfatal suicide attempts should prompt prevention systems to be particularly vigilant during this period.

Effect of Attitude Toward Suicide on Suicidal Behavior: Based on the Korea National Suicide Survey

OBJECTIVE

Suicide is a complex phenomenon; therefore, it should be approached in light of sociocultural perspectives and the general attitude toward suicide. This study aimed to extract factors from the Attitude Toward Suicide Scale (ATTS) and investigate the relationship between attitudes toward suicide and suicidal behavior (i.e., suicidal idea, plan, and attempt) by using a representative sample of Korean adults.

METHODS

Three thousand Koreans aged 19 to 75 years were surveyed cross-sectionally in 2013 and 2018. The data collected were subjected to exploratory factor analysis. Extracted attitude factors were compared using a suicidal behavior continuum. Univariate and multivariate logistic models were constructed to compare the association between attitude factors and suicidal behaviors.

RESULTS

Among the participants, 477 (15.9%) experienced suicidal idea only, 85 (2.8%) had a suicidal plan without attempt, and 58 (1.9%) attempted suicide. Four meaningful factors were extracted from the factor analysis: "permissiveness," "unjustified behavior," "preventability/readiness to help," and "loneliness." "Permissiveness," "unjustified behavior," and "loneliness" factors showed significant trends across the suicidal behavior continuum. Permissive attitude toward suicide increased the odds of suicidal idea, suicidal plan, and suicide attempt (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.25-1.79; aOR=2.79, 95% CI=1.84-4.25; aOR=2.67, 95% CI=1.65-4.33), while attitude toward suicide as unjustified behavior decreased the odds of suicidal ideation and attempt (aOR=0.79, 95% CI=0.67-0.94; aOR=0.64, 95% CI=0.42-0.99).

CONCLUSION

A significant association was found between attitude toward suicide and suicidal behaviors. Attitude toward suicide is a modifiable factor that can be used to develop prevention policies.

"Lives of despair" at risk for "deaths of despair": tracking an under-recognized, vulnerable population

PURPOSE

The substantial and unexpected increase in "deaths of despair" in the US (e.g., deaths from drug overdose, suicide, and alcohol-related liver diseases) reported by economists Case and Deaton in 2015 raises questions about the number and characteristics of US adults potentially living "lives of despair" with these problems.

METHODS

We used data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions Wave III (NESARC-III) to examine population estimates and characteristics of adults with lifetime history of substance use disorder (SUD) and suicide attempt, or either condition alone, as compared to those with neither.

RESULTS

An estimated 7.2 million adults had both lifetime SUD and suicide attempt and 78.8 million had either. Those with both faced far more psychosocial adversities, familial adverse experiences and psychiatric disorders compared to those with the other two groups, and reported greater mental health service utilization. Multivariable analysis showed that psychiatric multimorbidity and violence were the strongest correlates of having both conditions as compared to neither while those with either condition fell in between.

CONCLUSION

A substantial number of US adults live with a lifetime SUD and suicide attempt with a multiplicity of additional socioeconomic, psychiatric and familial problems. While their utilization of mental health care service exceeds those with either or neither conditions, quality of life remained much poorer, suggesting that mental health treatment alone may not be enough to mitigate their sufferings, and a combination of both social policy support and quality mental health care may be needed.

Excess mortality by suicide in high-risk subgroups of suicide attempters: a prospective study of standardised mortality rates in suicide attempters examined at a medical emergency inpatient unit

OBJECTIVES

The primary aim of the present study was to investigate the putative excess mortality by suicide in suicide attempters. As a secondary aim, we investigate excess mortality in specific, clinically relevant subgroups: individuals with repeated suicide attempts (RA); individuals who used violent method at the attempt (VA); and those who scored high on the Suicide Intent Scale (HS) at the time of the baseline attempt. Finally, we investigate excess mortality in men and women separately and within 5 years and over 5 years after hospital admission for attempted suicide.

DESIGN

Prospective register-based follow-up for 21-32 years. Standardised mortality ratio (SMR) was calculated for suicide using national census data. Clinically relevant subgroups were investigated separately.

SETTING

Medical emergency inpatient unit in the south of Sweden.

PARTICIPANTS

1039 individuals who were psychiatrically assessed at admission to medical inpatient care for attempted suicide between 1987 and 1998.

OUTCOME MEASURE

Suicide.

RESULTS

The overall SMR for suicide was 23.50 (95% CI 18.68 to 29.56); significantly higher (p<0.001) among women (30.49 (95% CI 22.27 to 41.72)) than men (18.61 (95% CI 13.30 to 26.05)). Mortality was highest within the first 5 years after the index suicide attempt (48.79 (95% CI 35.64 to 66.77)) compared with those who died after 5 years (p<0.001) (14.74 (10.53 to 20.63)). The highest independent SMR was found for VA (70.22 (95% CI 38.89 to 126.80)). In a regression model including RA, VA and HS all contributed significantly to excess suicide mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

An elevated risk of premature death by suicide was found in suicide attempters compared with the general population. Assessment of previous suicide attempts is important, even though the attempt/s may have occurred decades ago. When assessing suicide risk, clinicians should consider repeated attempts and whether the attempts involved high suicidal intent and violent method. Healthcare interventions may benefit from targeting identified subgroups of attempters.

A Systematic Review of Training Interventions for Emergency Department Providers and Psychosocial Interventions delivered by Emergency Department Providers for Patients who self-harm

OBJECTIVES

People who self-harm frequently present to the emergency department (ED) and are treated by generalist healthcare staff with no specialist mental health training. We systematically reviewed (i) training interventions for generalist ED providers and (ii) psychosocial interventions delivered predominantly by generalist ED providers for people who self-harm.

METHOD

Five databases were searched for studies reporting on training interventions for generalist ED staff (at least 50% of the sample needed to be generalist ED staff) or psychosocial interventions for people who self-harm delivered predominantly by generalist ED staff. No limitations were placed regarding study design/country. Narrative synthesis was conducted.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies from high-income countries were included. Nine studies of moderate methodological quality evaluated training for generalist ED providers (n = 1587). Six studies of good methodological quality evaluated psychosocial interventions for adults who self-harm (n = 3133). Only one randomized controlled trial was identified. Training was linked with pre-post improvements in staff knowledge, and less consistently with improvement in skills, attitudes, and confidence. Evidence on patient outcomes was lacking. Patient-level interventions involving common suicide prevention strategies-safety planning and follow-up contact-were consistently linked to pre-post reductions in suicide attempts. Effects on treatment engagement and psychiatric admissions were unclear.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a clear need for further RCTs to improve the evidence base for ED generalist providers managing patients with self-harm. Evidence supports potential benefits of training for improving staff knowledge, attitudes, and skills, and of safety planning and follow-up contact for reducing repeat suicide attempts. HIGHLIGHTSMore RCTs are needed to improve the evidence base for ED providers managing self-harmSafety planning and follow up contacts are linked to reductions in repeat suicide attemptsFuture research should investigate the impact of staff training on patient outcomes.

Evaluation of an Intensive Suicide- Reattempt&#8211;Prevention Programme based on Problem-Solving Therapy in a Catchment Area of 430,000 people in Madrid, Spain

Suicide prevention is a primary goal of mental health care, and a past history of suicide attempts is considered a high-risk factor for subsequent attempts. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an intensive suicide-reattempt-prevention program (ISRPP) in a health catchment area of 430.000 inhabitants.

Perinatal adversity profiles and suicide attempt in adolescence and young adulthood: longitudinal analyses from two 20-year birth cohort studies

BACKGROUND

We aimed to identify groups of children presenting distinct perinatal adversity profiles and test the association between profiles and later risk of suicide attempt.

METHODS

Data were from the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development (QLSCD, N = 1623), and the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC, N = 5734). Exposures to 32 perinatal adversities (e.g. fetal, obstetric, psychosocial, and parental psychopathology) were modeled using latent class analysis, and associations with a self-reported suicide attempt by age 20 were investigated with logistic regression. We investigated to what extent childhood emotional and behavioral problems, victimization, and cognition explained the associations.

RESULTS

In both cohorts, we identified five profiles: No perinatal risk, Poor fetal growth, Socioeconomic adversity, Delivery complications, Parental mental health problems (ALSPAC only). Compared to children with No perinatal risk, children in the Poor fetal growth (pooled estimate QLSCD-ALSPAC, OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.04-3.44), Socioeconomic adversity (pooled-OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.08-1.85), and Parental mental health problems (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.27-2.40), but not Delivery complications, profiles were more likely to attempt suicide. The proportion of this effect mediated by the putative mediators was larger for the Socioeconomic adversity profile compared to the others.

CONCLUSIONS

Perinatal adversities associated with suicide attempt cluster in distinct profiles. Suicide prevention may begin early in life and requires a multidisciplinary approach targeting a constellation of factors from different domains (psychiatric, obstetric, socioeconomic), rather than a single factor, to effectively reduce suicide vulnerability. The way these factors cluster together also determined the pathways leading to a suicide attempt, which can guide decision-making on personalized suicide prevention strategies.

Humanistic and Economic Burden of Conversion Therapy Among LGBTQ Youths in the United States

IMPORTANCE

Sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts (SOGICE), also called conversion therapy, is a discredited practice attempting to convert lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ) individuals to be heterosexual and/or cisgender.

OBJECTIVES

To identify and synthesize evidence on the humanistic and economic consequences of SOGICE among LGBTQ youths in the US.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This study, conducted from December 1, 2020, to February 15, 2021, included a systematic literature review and economic evaluation. The literature review analyzed published evidence on SOGICE among LGBTQ individuals of any age. The economic model evaluated the use of SOGICE vs no intervention, affirmative therapy vs no intervention, and affirmative therapy vs SOGICE to estimate the costs and adverse outcomes for each scenario and to assess the overall US economic burden of SOGICE. Published literature and public sources were used to estimate the number of LGBTQ youths exposed to SOGICE, the types of therapy received, and the associated adverse events (anxiety, severe psychological distress, depression, alcohol or substance abuse, suicide attempts, and fatalities).

EXPOSURES

SOGICE (licensed or religion-based practitioners) or affirmative therapy (licensed practitioners).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Total incremental costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) vs no intervention and total economic burden of SOGICE.

RESULTS

Among 28 published studies, which included 190 695 LGBTQ individuals, 12% (range, 7%-23%) of youths experienced SOGICE, initiated at a mean age of 25 years (range, 5-58 years), with a mean (SD) duration of 26 (29) months. At least 2 types of SOGICE were administered to 43% of recipients. Relative to LGBTQ individuals who did not undergo SOGICE, recipients experienced serious psychological distress (47% vs 34%), depression (65% vs 27%), substance abuse (67% vs 50%), and attempted suicide (58% vs 39%). In the economic analysis, over a lifetime horizon with a 3% annual discount rate, the base-case model estimated additional $97 985 lifetime costs per individual, with SOGICE associated with 1.61 QALYs lost vs no intervention; affirmative therapy yielded cost savings of $40 329 with 0.93 QALYs gained vs no intervention. With an estimated 508 892 youths at risk for SOGICE in 2021, the total annual cost of SOGICE is estimated at $650.16 million (2021 US dollars), with associated harms totaling an economic burden of $9.23 billion.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This economic evaluation study suggests that there is a high economic burden and high societal costs associated with SOGICE and identifies additional research questions regarding the roles of private and public funding in supporting this harmful practice.

Psychological autopsy study comparing suicide decedents with and without a history of suicide attempts in a nationwide sample of South Korea

The majority of suicide decedents die on their initial attempt. To bring attention to suicide decedents without a suicide attempt history, the current study explored their demographic, clinical, and suicide-related characteristics. The data were derived from the Korea National Investigation of Suicide Victims Study, which assessed all suicide cases from 2013 to 2017 recorded in police investigation reports. We compared suicide decedents with and without a history of nonfatal attempts using the Korea Psychological Autopsy Checklist for Police Records (K-PAC). Out of 5228 cases included in our study, 3147 (60.2%) died on their first suicide attempt. Demographically, those who were male, older than 65, employed, and married/widowed were more likely to die on their initial attempt. Clinically, those who died on their initial attempt were more likely to have never been diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, whereas those who died on a repeated attempt were more likely to have been diagnosed with mood disorders. In terms of suicide-related factors, experiencing relationship problems and complaining about physical discomfort were associated with dying on an initial attempt. Depressed affect, self-harming behaviors, and talking about suicide or death were associated with repeated attempts.

Factors Associated With 7-Day Follow-Up Outpatient Mental Healthcare in Older Adults Hospitalized for Suicidal Ideation, Suicide Attempt, and Self-Harm

OBJECTIVE

Older adults are one of the fastest growing age groups seeking emergency care for suicidal ideation and self-harm. Timely follow-up outpatient mental healthcare is important to suicide prevention, yet little is known about predictors of care continuity following hospital discharge. This study identified patient-, hospital-, and regional-level factors associated with 7-day follow-up outpatient mental healthcare in suicidal older adults.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort analysis using 2015 Medicare data for adults aged ≥65 years hospitalized for suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, or deliberate self-harm (n = 27,257) linked with the American Hospital Association survey and Area Health Resource File. Rates and adjusted risk ratios stratified by patient, hospital, and regional variables were assessed for 7-day follow-up outpatient mental healthcare.

RESULTS

Overall, 30.3% of patients received follow-up mental healthcare within 7 days of discharge. However, follow-up rates were higher for patients with any mental healthcare within 30 days prehospitalization (43.7%) compared to patients with no recent mental healthcare (15.7%). Longer length of stay and care in psychiatric hospitals were associated with higher odds of follow-up. For patients with no mental healthcare in the 30 days prehospitalization, discharge from hospitals that were large, system-affiliated, academic medical centers, or provided hospitalist-based care were associated with lower odds of follow-up. Females were more likely to receive 7-day follow-up, whereas non-white patients were less likely to receive follow-up care.

CONCLUSION

Timely follow-up is influenced by multiple patient, hospital, and community characteristics. Findings highlight the need for quality improvement to promote successful transitions from inpatient to outpatient care.

Few Do and To Few: Disclosure of Suicidal Thoughts in Friendship Networks of Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness

Disclosure of one's suicidal thoughts is a pivotal but under-investigated mechanism for preventing suicide among young adults experiencing homelessness (YAEH). In a sample of 527 YAEH, we adopted a multi-level perspective to assess patterns and correlates of disclosure in their friendship networks. Less than one-third of YAEH disclosed their suicidal thoughts-half of them doing so during a suicidal crisis-and only disclosed to 21% of their friends. Multilevel modeling showed that YAEH who reported a history of unmet mental health needs were more likely to have disclosed to a friend, and friends who were sources of social support were most highly sought out for disclosures. Our findings highlight the need for cultivating safe environments that promote disclosures among YAEH.

Opioid use as a proximal risk factor for suicidal behavior in young adults

INTRODUCTION

There is a concomitant rise in suicide rates with the prevalence of opioids involved in overdose deaths, especially among adolescents and young adults. However, there are limited studies on whether opioid use prospectively predicts suicidal behavior in youth.

METHODS

Our sample included 183 psychiatric patients (18-30 years) admitted for a suicide attempt (SA), have current suicidal ideation (SI), and psychiatric controls without ideation or attempt (PC). Suicidal behavior was assessed using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. We also recruited a healthy control group (HC; n = 40). Patients and controls were followed over a year. ANOVA, regression, and cox regression were used.

RESULTS

Suicide attempt (β = 0.87, CI [0.1-1.6], p = 0.02) and SI [(β = 0.75, CI [0.03-1.5], p = 0.04) were significantly more likely than HCs to have used opioids in the past year at baseline. Opioid use was associated with increased anxiety symptoms (β = 0.75, CI [0.001-1.5], p = 0.05), PTSD symptoms (β = 3.90, CI [1.1-6.7], p = 0.01), and aggression (β = 0.02, CI [0.01-0.04], p = 0.02). Opioid use in the month prior to hospitalization predicted SA at 6 months (OR = 1.87, CI [1.06-3.31], p = 0.032).

CONCLUSIONS

Opioid use is a proximal predictor for SA. These findings may help clinicians better identify patients at risk for suicidal behavior, allowing for more personalized treatment approaches.

SIBAT-A Computerized Assessment Tool for Suicide Ideation and Behavior: Development and Psychometric Properties

OBJECTIVE

Most assessments of suicidal ideation and behavior (SIB) are limited by reliance on a single assessor, typically a clinician or patient, with scant detail on patient-related drivers of SIB and inability to detect rapid change in SIB. Furthermore, many techniques do not include a semistructured interview, increasing rater variability. The Suicide Ideation and Behavior Assessment Tool (SIBAT) addresses these limitations.

DESIGN

More than 30 experts in scale development, statistics, and clinical management of suicidal patients collaborated over a greater than four-year period to develop the SIBAT. Input for content and validity was received from patients, clinicians, and regulatory authorities in the United States (US) and Europe. Psychometric properties of the SIBAT were evaluated in validation studies.

RESULTS

The SIBAT is organized into eight independent patient- or clinician-rated modules with branching logic and scoring algorithms, which necessitates computerization. Patient-reported information is first captured in Modules 1 to 5. Thereafter, an experienced clinician reviews the patient's report, conducts a semistructured interview (Module 6), and assesses the patient's suicide risk (Module 7) and optimal antisuicide management (Module 8). Input from cognitive interviews of diverse adult, adolescent, and clinician participants was incorporated into the final version of the SIBAT. Psychometric testing demonstrated good inter-rater reliability (intraclass coefficient range: 0.68-0.82), intra-rater reliability (weighted-kappa range: 0.64-0.76), and concurrent validity with other instruments for assessing SIB.

CONCLUSION

Patient- and clinician-based assessments and the psychometric studies summarized in this report support the validity and reliability of the SIBAT for capturing critical information related to assessment of SIB in adolescents and adults at risk for suicide.

Extended familial risk of suicide death is associated with younger age at death and elevated polygenic risk of suicide

Suicide accounts for >800,000 deaths annually worldwide; prevention is an urgent public health issue. Identification of risk factors remains challenging due to complexity and heterogeneity. The study of suicide deaths with increased extended familial risk provides an avenue to reduce etiological heterogeneity and explore traits associated with increased genetic liability. Using extensive genealogical records, we identified high-risk families where distant relatedness of suicides implicates genetic risk. We compared phenotypic and polygenic risk score (PRS) data between suicides in high-risk extended families (high familial risk (HFR), n = 1,634), suicides linked to genealogical data not in any high-risk families (low familial risk (LFR), n = 147), and suicides not linked to genealogical data with unknown familial risk (UFR, n = 1,865). HFR suicides were associated with lower age at death (mean = 39.34 years), more suicide attempts, and more PTSD and trauma diagnoses. For PRS tests, we included only suicides with >90% European ancestry and adjusted for residual ancestry effects. HFR suicides showed markedly higher PRS of suicide death (calculated using cross-validation), supporting specific elevation of genetic risk of suicide in this subgroup, and also showed increased PRS of PTSD, suicide attempt, and risk taking. LFR suicides were substantially older at death (mean = 49.10 years), had fewer psychiatric diagnoses of depression and pain, and significantly lower PRS of depression. Results suggest extended familiality and trauma/PTSD may provide specificity in identifying individuals at genetic risk for suicide death, especially among younger ages, and that LFR of suicide warrants further study regarding the contribution of demographic and medical risks.

Bringing Lived Lives to Swift’s Asylum: a psychiatric hospital perspective

Background: Few “interventions” around suicide and stigma have reached into psychiatric institutions. Lived Lives is a science-arts approach to addressing suicide and stigma, informed by a psychobiographical and visual arts autopsy. The resulting artworks and mediated exhibition ( Lived Lives), has facilitated dialogue, response and public action around stigma-reduction, consistent with a community intervention. Recent evidence from Lived Lives moved us to consider how it may situate within a psychiatric hospital. Methods: Lived Lives manifested in St. Patrick’s University Hospital (Ireland’s oldest and largest psychiatric hospital) in November 2017.   A mixed-methods approach was used to evaluate the exhibition as a potential intervention to address stigma around suicide, with quantitative and qualitative data collected via written questionnaire and oral data collected via video documentation.  Bereavement support was available. A Clinician and an artist also provided independent evaluation. Results:  86 participants engaged with the exhibition, with 68 completing questionnaire data. Audiences included service users, policy makers, health professionals, senior hospital administrators and members of the public. 62% of participants who completed questionnaires were suicide-bereaved; 46% had experienced a mental health difficulty, and 35% had been suicidal in the past. 91% thought Lived Lives could be of benefit in the aftermath of a suicide death. Half of participants thought Lived Lives could help reduce suicidal feelings, whereas 88% thought it could benefit those with Mental Health difficulties. The emotional response was of a visceral nature, including fear, anger, sadness, disgust and anxiety. Conclusions: Lived Lives sits comfortably in discomfort, unafraid to call out the home-truths about stigma and its pervasive and pernicious impact, and with restoring identity at its core. Lived Lives can operate within a psychiatric hospital, as well as in community. The challenge is to move it forward for greater exposure and impacts in at-risk communities.

Prevalence and risk factors for suicide in patients with sepsis: nationwide cohort study in South Korea

BACKGROUND

Although a recent study reported that survivors of critical illness have an increased risk of suicide, the suicide rate and factors associated with suicide in patients with sepsis have not yet been investigated.

AIMS

We aimed to examine the prevalence and risk factors of suicide among patients with sepsis in South Korea.

METHOD

All adult patients who were admitted to all hospitals in South Korea with a main diagnosis of sepsis, from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2018, were included in the study. The primary outcome was suicide within 1 year after sepsis diagnosis.

RESULTS

A total of 251 837 adult patients with sepsis were included, of which 132 691 patients (52.7%) died within 1 year after the diagnosis of sepsis, and death by suicide was the cause in 3903 patients (1.5%). Older age, male gender, living in a rural area, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index scores, invasive treatment (continuous renal replacement therapy and mechanical ventilator support) and admission to a hospital with low annual case volumes were associated with a higher risk of suicide. In addition, concurrent substance misuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, dementia and previous attempt of suicide or self-harm were associated with a higher risk of suicide.

CONCLUSIONS

During the 1-year follow-up period, 1.5% of patients died by suicide after the diagnosis of sepsis in South Korea. Knowledge of the factors associated with suicide might allow for earlier intervention to potentially reduce the number of suicide attempts in patients with sepsis.

Sibling alcohol use disorder is associated with increased risk for suicide attempt

The association between having a sibling diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and risk for suicide attempt may be attributable to shared genetic liability between AUD and suicidal behavior, effects of environmental exposure to a sibling's AUD, or both. To distinguish between these alternatives, we conducted a series of Cox regression models using data derived from Swedish population-based registers with national coverage. Among full sibling pairs (656,807 males and 607,096 females), we found that proband risk for suicide attempt was significantly elevated when their sibling was affected by AUD, even after accounting for the proband's AUD status. Further, risk for proband suicide attempt was consistently higher when the sibling's AUD registration had occurred more recently. Our findings provide evidence for exposure to sibling AUD as an environmental risk factor for suicide attempt and suggest that clinical outreach may be warranted following a sibling's diagnosis with AUD.

Predicting suicide attempts among U.S. Army soldiers after leaving active duty using information available before leaving active duty: results from the Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers-Longitudinal Study (STARRS-LS)

Suicide risk is elevated among military service members who recently transitioned to civilian life. Identifying high-risk service members before this transition could facilitate provision of targeted preventive interventions. We investigated the feasibility of doing this by attempting to develop a prediction model for self-reported suicide attempts (SAs) after leaving or being released from active duty in the Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers-Longitudinal Study (STARRS-LS). This study included two self-report panel surveys (LS1: 2016-2018, LS2: 2018-2019) administered to respondents who previously participated while on active duty in one of three Army STARRS 2011-2014 baseline self-report surveys. We focus on respondents who left active duty >12 months before their LS survey (n = 8899). An ensemble machine learning model using predictors available prior to leaving active duty was developed in a 70% training sample and validated in a 30% test sample. The 12-month self-reported SA prevalence (SE) was 1.0% (0.1). Test sample AUC (SE) was 0.74 (0.06). The 15% of respondents with highest predicted risk included nearly two-thirds of 12-month SAs and over 80% of medically serious 12-month SAs. These results show that it is possible to identify soldiers at high post-transition self-report SA risk before the transition. Future model development is needed to examine prediction of SAs assessed by administrative data and using surveys administered closer to the time of leaving active duty.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and suicidal behaviour: a population-based cohort study

There is concern that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment may increase the risk of suicide attempts or deaths, particularly among children and adolescents. However, debate remains regarding the nature of the relationship. Using nationwide Swedish registers, we identified all individuals aged 6-59 years with an incident SSRI dispensation (N = 538,577) from 2006 to 2013. To account for selection into treatment, we used a within-individual design to compare the risk of suicide attempts or deaths (suicidal behaviour) in time periods before and after SSRI-treatment initiation. Within-individual incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of suicidal behaviour were estimated. The 30 days before SSRI-treatment initiation was associated with the highest risk of suicidal behaviour compared with the 30 days 1 year before SSRI initiation (IRR = 7.35, 95% CI 6.60-8.18). Compared with the 30 days before SSRI initiation, treatment periods after initiation had a reduced risk-the IRR in the 30 days after initiation was 0.62 (95% CI 0.58-0.65). The risk then declined over treatment time. These patterns were similar across age strata, and when stratifying on history of suicide attempts. Initiation with escitalopram was associated with the greatest risk reduction, though CIs for the IRRs of the different SSRI types were overlapping. The results do not suggest that SSRI-treatment increases the risk for suicidal behaviour in either youths or adults; rather, it may reduce the risk. Further research with different study designs and in different populations is warranted.

Non-presentation at hospital following a suicide attempt: a national survey

BACKGROUND

A few previous studies suggest that a large number of individuals do not present at hospital following a suicide attempt, complicating recurrence prevention and prevalence estimation.

METHODS

Data were extracted from a regular phone survey in representative samples of the French population aged 18-75 years old. Five surveys between 2000 and 2017 collected data about the occurrence of a previous suicide attempt and subsequent care contacts. A total of 102,729 individuals were surveyed. Among them, 6,500 (6.4%) reported a lifetime history of suicide attempt.

RESULTS

Following their last suicide attempt, 39.3% reported they did not present to hospital (53.4% in 18-24 year-olds), with limited changes in rates with time. Risk factors for non-presentation were being male [adjusted odds ratio = 1.3, 95% confidence interval (1.1-1.5)], living with someone [1.2 (1.0-1.4)], being a non-smoker [1.4 (1.2-1.6)], and being younger at time of attempt [0.97 (0.96-0.98) per year]. Of those who did not present to hospital, only 37.7% reported visiting a doctor or a psychiatrist/psychologist after their act v. 67.1% in those who presented to hospital (as a second health contact). In both cases, half disclosed their act to someone else. Prevalence rates of suicide attempts reported in community were 4.6 times higher than those in hospital administrative databases.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey at a national level confirmed that a large proportion of individuals does not go to the hospital and does not meet any health care professionals following a suicidal act. Assessment of unmet needs is necessary.

Future Directions in Suicide and Self-Injury Revisited: Integrating a Developmental Psychopathology Perspective

The recent rise in suicide rates among children and adolescents has made suicide prevention in youth a major focus of government agencies and mental health organizations. In 2012, Nock presented future directions in the study of self-injurious thoughts and behavior (SITBs), highlighting the need to better examine which risk factors are associated with "each part of the pathway" to suicidal and non-suicidal self-injury in order to inform prevention and intervention efforts. Over the past decade, we have made important advances in understanding the development of SITBs and effective interventions. However, there are still major gaps of knowledge in our understanding of how to prevent suicide. Researchers have recently called for more studies focusing particularly on the pathway from suicidal ideation to suicidal behavior. However, we caution against prioritizing only a part of the suicide risk continuum (e.g., the transition from suicidal ideation to suicidal behavior) while minimizing research focusing on earlier developmental points of the pathway to suicide (e.g., the first development of suicidal ideation). We emphasize that childhood and adolescence represent a critical opportunity to intervene and prevent SITBs by altering developmental trajectories toward persistent and escalating SITBs over time. We advocate for integrating a developmental psychopathology perspective into future youth suicide research that focuses on how and when risk for SITBs first emerges and develops across childhood into emerging adulthood. This research is critical for informing interventions aimed at bending developmental pathways away from all SITBs. Here, we describe the need for future research that integrates key developmental psychopathology principles on 1) the identification of the continuum from developmentally typical to atypical as SITBs first emerge and develop, particularly among young children in early to middle childhood, 2) the way in which expressions of and risk for SITBs change across development, 3) how SITBs dynamically move along a continuum from typical to atypical over time, and 4) suicide prevention efforts. We also offer recommendations for future directions that focus on identifying disparities in SITBs occurring among minoritized youth within a developmental psychopathology perspective.

Clinical Characteristics in Older, Middle-Aged and Young Adults Who Present With Suicide Attempts at Psychiatric Emergency Departments: A Multisite Study

OBJECTIVES

To study age group differences in clinical characteristics in older, middle-aged and younger adults with actual suicide attempts (SA).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional cohort study.

SETTING

3 Swedish university hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

821 persons who presented with self-harm at psychiatric emergency departments participated. Those with non-suicidal self-injury according to the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) were excluded, leaving a total of 683 with an actual SA (18-44 years, n = 423; 45-64 years, n = 164; 65+, n = 96).

MEASUREMENTS

Suicidal behavior was characterized with the C-SSRS and the Suicide Intent Scale (SIS); symptoms associated with suicide were rated with the Suicide Assessment Scale (SUAS). Diagnoses were set using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Patients self-rated their symptoms with the Karolinska Affective and Borderline Symptoms Scale (KABOSS).

RESULTS

Older adults scored higher than the younger group on SIS total score and on the subjective subscale, but no age group differences were detected for the objective subscale. Half of the 65+ group fulfilled criteria for major depression, compared to 3-quarters in both the middle-aged and young groups. Anxiety disorders, as well as alcohol and substance use disorders were also less prevalent in the 65+ group, while serious physical illness was more common. Older adults scored lower on all symptom scales; effect sizes were large.

CONCLUSIONS

While older adults with an SA showed higher suicide intent than young adults, they had lower scores on all ratings of psychiatric symptomatology. Low ratings might interfere with clinicians' assessments of the needs of older adults with intentional self-harm.

Suicide Prevention in Your Pocket: A Systematic Review of Ecological Momentary Interventions for the Management of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

BACKGROUND

This study reviews the evidence on ecological momentary interventions (EMIs) for managing and preventing suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

METHODS

This review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Its protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database. We conducted a systematic literature search of five databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and Cochrane library. The most recent search date was 10 September 2021.

RESULTS

After screening and full-text review, 27 studies were included, totaling 19 different interventions. Many of the available interventions have not yet been clinically tested. Those that have undergone effectiveness evaluation (10 interventions) showed good rates of effectiveness and feasibility, with some exceptions. The most widely used intervention model is the safety plan, which allows the user to implement coping and distracting strategies in case of suicidal ideation.

CONCLUSIONS

Ecological momentary interventions provide certain advantages, such as their wide availability, versatility, and potential for customization. These interventions can be useful complements to traditional care, especially in situations in which face-to-face care is not possible. Evidence on the effectiveness of such interventions is still scarce. Furthermore, barriers limiting implementation in clinical practice remain. The constant advance of technology means that these interventions have great potential for improvement in the coming years.

Genetics and Brain Transcriptomics of Completed Suicide

OBJECTIVE

The authors sought to study the transcriptomic and genomic features of completed suicide by parsing the method chosen, to capture molecular correlates of the distinctive frame of mind of individuals who die by suicide, while reducing heterogeneity.

METHODS

The authors analyzed gene expression (RNA sequencing) from postmortem dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of patients who died by suicide with violent compared with nonviolent means, nonsuicide patients with the same psychiatric disorders, and a neurotypical group (total N=329). They then examined genomic risk scores (GRSs) for each psychiatric disorder included, and GRSs for cognition (IQ) and for suicide attempt, testing how they predict diagnosis or traits (total N=888).

RESULTS

Patients who died by suicide by violent means showed a transcriptomic pattern remarkably divergent from each of the other patient groups but less from the neurotypical group; consistently, their genomic profile of risk was relatively low for their diagnosed illness as well as for suicide attempt, and relatively high for IQ: they were more similar to the neurotypical group than to other patients. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with patients who died by suicide by violent means pointed to purinergic signaling in microglia, showing similarities to a genome-wide association study of Drosophila aggression. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis revealed that these DEGs were coexpressed in a context of mitochondrial metabolic activation unique to suicide by violent means.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that patients who die by suicide by violent means are in part biologically separable from other patients with the same diagnoses, and their behavioral outcome may be less dependent on genetic risk for conventional psychiatric disorders and be associated with an alteration of purinergic signaling and mitochondrial metabolism.

National Trends of Mental Health Care Among US Adults Who Attempted Suicide in the Past 12 Months

IMPORTANCE

Although suicide attempts remain the strongest risk factor for future suicide, little is known about recent trends in the prevalence of and risk factors for suicide attempts and past-year use of services among adults who attempted suicide.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate annual rates of suicide attempts and use of mental health services among US adults from 2008 to 2019.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This US nationally representative cross-sectional study used the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from 2008 through 2019. Participants included noninstitutionalized US civilians 18 years or older (n = 484 732). The overall annual rates of suicide attempts per 100 000 adults in the general population and national trends from 2008 to 2019 were estimated, with suicide attempts defined as self-reported efforts to kill one's self in the past 12 months. Subgroup analyses were also performed by demographic characteristics and clinical conditions. The trends in past-year use of mental health services among those who reported past-year suicide attempts were then examined. Data were analyzed from October to December 2021.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Rate of suicide attempts from 2008 to 2019. Multivariate-adjusted logistic regression analyses were used to determine whether adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with past-year suicide attempts could account for the change within the study period.

RESULTS

Of 484 732 survey participants, most were 35 years or younger (69.8%), women (51.8%), and non-Hispanic White individuals (65.7%). From 2008 to 2019, the weighted unadjusted suicide attempt rate per 100 000 population increased from 481.2 to 563.9 (odds ratio [OR], 1.17 [95% CI, 1.01-1.36]; P = .04) and remained significant after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics (adjusted OR [aOR], 1.23 [95% CI, 1.05-1.44]; P = .01). Rates of suicide attempt increased particularly among young adults aged 18 to 25 years (aOR, 1.81 [95% CI, 1.52-2.16]; P < .001), women (aOR, 1.33 [95% CI, 1.09-1.62]; P = .005), those who were unemployed (aOR, 2.22 [95% CI, 1.58-3.12]; P < .001) or never married (aOR, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.31-1.96]; P < .001), and individuals who used substances (aOR, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.19-1.75]; P < .001). In multivariate analyses, the temporal trend of increasing suicide attempts remained significant even after controlling for other significant sociodemographic and clinical factors (aOR, 1.36 [95% CI, 1.16-1.60]; P < .001). Several sociodemographic and clinical subgroups remained independently associated with suicide attempts, especially those with serious psychological distress (aOR, 7.51 [95% CI, 6.49-8.68]; P < .001), major depressive episodes (aOR, 2.90 [95% CI, 2.57-3.27]; P < .001), and alcohol use disorder (aOR, 1.81 [95%CI, 1.61-2.04]; P< .001) as well as individuals who reported being divorced or separated (aOR, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.35-2.02]; P < .001) or being unemployed (aOR, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.27-1.70]; P< .001) and those who identified as Black (aOR, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.24-1.60]; P < .001) or American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, or Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (aOR, 1.56 [95% CI, 1.26-1.93]; P < .001). Among adults with a suicide attempt, there was no significant change in the likelihood of receiving past-year mental health or substance-related services. During the study period, 34.8% to 45.5% reported needing services but did not receive them, with no significant change from 2008 to 2019.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Although suicide attempts appear to be increasing, use of services among those who attempted suicide has not increased, suggesting a need to expand service accessibility and/or acceptability, as well as population-wide prevention efforts.

Predictors of Intentional Self -Harm Among Medicaid Mental Health Clinic Clients In New York

BACKGROUND

Behavioral health outpatients are at risk for self-harm. Identifying individuals or combination of risk factors could discriminate those at elevated risk for self-harm.

METHODS

The study population (N = 248,491) included New York State Medicaid-enrolled individuals aged 10 to 64 with mental health clinic services between November 1, 2015 to November 1, 2016. Self-harm episodes were defined using ICD-10 codes from emergency department and inpatient visits. Multi-predictor logistic regression models were fit on a subsample of the data and compared to a testing sample based on discrimination performance (Area Under the Curve or AUC).

RESULTS

Of N = 248,491 patients, 4,224 (1.70%) had an episode of intentional self-harm. Factors associated with increased self-harm risk were age 17-25, being female and having recent diagnoses of depression (AOR=4.3, 95%CI: 3.6-5.0), personality disorder (AOR=4.2, 95%CI: 2.9-6.1), or substance use disorder (AOR=3.4, 95%CI: 2.7-4.3) within the last month. A multi-predictor logistic regression model including demographics and new psychiatric diagnoses within 90 days prior to index date had good discrimination and outperformed competitor models on a testing sample (AUC=0.86, 95%CI:0.85-0.87).

LIMITATIONS

New York State Medicaid data may not be generalizable to the entire U.S population. ICD-10 codes do not allow distinction between self-harm with and without intent to die.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results highlight the usefulness of recency of new psychiatric diagnoses, in predicting the magnitude and timing of intentional self-harm risk. An algorithm based on this finding could enhance clinical assessments support screening, intervention and outreach programs that are at the heart of a Zero Suicide prevention model.