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Thornton KE, Wiggs KK, Epstein JN, Tamm L, Becker SP. ADHD and cognitive disengagement syndrome symptoms related to self-injurious thoughts and behaviors in early adolescents. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024:10.1007/s00787-024-02556-x. [PMID: 39235462 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-024-02556-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
The current study examined attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) dimensions and cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS) symptoms in relation to self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs) in an early adolescent sample. Participants were 341 adolescents ages 10-12 years (52.2% female; 37.8% people of color) recruited from the community. Caregivers reported on CDS and ADHD symptoms. Adolescents completed a rating scale and were administered an interview assessing SITBs. We estimated associations using logistic regression in a stepped fashion: (1) no adjustment, (2) adjustment for sex, race, family income, and psychotropic medication use, and (3) further adjustment for depressive symptoms. In this early adolescent community sample, 22.9% reported a history of suicidal ideation, 8.2% reported a history of a suicide plan, 6.2% reported a history of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), and 16.4% met a clinical cutoff for current suicide risk. Across most analyses using rating scale or interview methods, higher mean CDS scores were related to endorsement of suicidal ideation and planning. ADHD inattentive (IN) and hyperactive-impulsive (HI) symptoms were associated with endorsement of NSSI, and ADHD-IN symptoms were associated with thoughts of suicide and/or plan measured via questionnaire, though effects were less robust and not significant, potentially due to low base rates impacting statistical power. This study adds to a growing body of research highlighting the importance of screening for CDS symptoms among individuals with and without ADHD. More research, especially longitudinal work, is needed that examines possible differential pathways to SITBs by ADHD and CDS symptoms to advance SITB prevention, early detection, and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keely E Thornton
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 10006, Cincinnati, OH, 45229-3039, USA
| | - Kelsey K Wiggs
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 10006, Cincinnati, OH, 45229-3039, USA
| | - Jeffery N Epstein
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 10006, Cincinnati, OH, 45229-3039, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Leanne Tamm
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 10006, Cincinnati, OH, 45229-3039, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Stephen P Becker
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 10006, Cincinnati, OH, 45229-3039, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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Hennefield L, Whalen DJ, Tillman R, Barch DM, Luby JL. Preschool-Onset Major Depressive Disorder as a Strong Predictor of Suicidal Ideation and Behaviors Into Preadolescence. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 63:919-930. [PMID: 38070867 PMCID: PMC11156793 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2023.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) in children are an escalating public health concern. This study focused on 1 understudied candidate risk factor, namely, preschool-onset major depressive disorder (PO-MDD), as a predictor of persistent and emerging STBs from early childhood into preadolescence. METHOD Participants were 137 children 8 to 12 years of age who met criteria for PO-MDD when they were 3 to 6 years of age, and a nondepressed sample of 53 age-, income-, and sex-matched peers. STBs were reported by caregivers (preschool, preadolescence) and children (preadolescence) using age-appropriate diagnostic interviews. RESULTS By preadolescence, children who had PO-MDD were 7.38 times more likely than their peers to have endorsed STBs after early childhood (p < .001; 67.9% vs 22.6%), including 6.71 times more likely to have engaged in suicide behaviors/attempts (p = .012; 21.9% vs 3.8%); they were also 8.98 times more likely to have endorsed STBs over the prior month (p = .005; 26.3% vs 3.8%). Similar findings emerged when limiting the PO-MDD group to children without preschool STBs, and when controlling for externalizing comorbidities, implicating PO-MDD as a unique diagnostic predictive risk factor. However, children who had PO-MDD with STBs were 3.46 times more likely than children who had PO-MDD without STBs to endorse later STBs (p = .018; 83.1% vs 54.2%), indicating substantial continuity of preschool STBs alongside strikingly high rates of emerging STBs into preadolescence. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY This longitudinal study explores preschool onset major depressive disorder (PO-MDD) as a predictor of having suicidal thoughts or attempting suicide by age 12. 137 children aged 8 to 12 years who met criteria for PO-MDD when they were 3 to 6 years of age and 53 non-depressed peers were included in the study. The study found that preadolescents who had experienced preschool-onset depression were 6.14 times more likely to experience active suicidal thoughts and 8.03 times more likely to have made a suicide attempt by age 12 when compared to preadolescents who did not experience preschool depression. Results suggest that children with preschool-onset depression would likely benefit from increased suicide screening, proactive safety planning and early interventions. CONCLUSION PO-MDD is a strong risk factor for the emergence and persistence of STBs into preadolescence. Children with PO-MDD would likely benefit from increased suicide screening, proactive safety planning, and early interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana J Whalen
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Rebecca Tillman
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Deanna M Barch
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Washington University in St Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Joan L Luby
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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Ayer L, Ohana E, Ivanova MY, Frering HE, Achenbach TM, Althoff RR. Emotional and Behavioral Problem Profiles of Preteens With Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors: A Multicultural Study. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 63:931-942. [PMID: 38280415 PMCID: PMC11269522 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2023.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITB) among preteen children have risen to the attention of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. To shed light on potential treatment/prevention targets, we sought to identify empirically derived emotional and behavioral problem profiles of preteens with SITB, and to determine whether these profiles differ by age, gender and society. METHOD Caregivers of 46,719 children aged 6 to 12 years from 42 societies across the world completed the Child Behavior Checklist for ages 6-18 (CBCL/6-18). There were 1,656 children whose caregivers indicated that their child experienced SITB. We conducted a latent profile analysis (LPA) using scores from eight CBCL/6-18 problem scales to derive problem profiles of children with SITB. Multilevel modelling was used to estimate differences in the profiles by SITB, society, sex, and age. RESULTS A 4-profile model provided the best fit to the data, with profiles reflecting low problems (39.7%), mild problems (42.6%), moderate problems (15.4%), and rule-breaking/thought problems (2.3%). The low problems profile had CBCL problem scale scores nearly indistinguishable from those of children without SITB. Children in the rule-breaking/thought problems group were mostly female, whereas children in the other profile groups were mostly male. Children with the rule-breaking/thought problems profile also were most likely to have both suicidal thoughts and self-harm behaviors. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY In this study, authors analyzed emotional and behavioral profile of preteens who experienced self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITB). Caregivers of over 46,000 children aged 6-12 from 42 countries completed the Child Behavior Checklist. The authors found that most preteens with SITB had low levels of other mental health problems. This study highlights the needs to screen all children for SITBs, not just those who have have significant mental health problems. CONCLUSION Problem profiles of preteens with SITB are heterogeneous, with most having relatively low levels of other psychopathology. Selectively screening only children with clinically significant mental health problems for suicidal thoughts and self-harm behaviors (eg, asking about suicidal thoughts only among children with depression) risks missing many children experiencing SITB.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Masha Y Ivanova
- University of Vermont Center for Children, Youth, and Families, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Hannah E Frering
- University of Vermont Center for Children, Youth, and Families, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Thomas M Achenbach
- University of Vermont Center for Children, Youth, and Families, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Robert R Althoff
- University of Vermont Center for Children, Youth, and Families, Burlington, Vermont
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Townsend ML, Barr KR, Miller CE, Sanzone G. Self-harm and suicidal behaviors in children: perspectives of mental health clinicians. J Pediatr Psychol 2024; 49:571-579. [PMID: 38872281 PMCID: PMC11335141 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsae044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Presentations for self-harm and suicidal behaviors are increasing in children and young people, although less is known about these presentations in children aged 12 years and under. This study aims to understand how mental health clinicians in public health services conceptualize, identify and respond to self-harm and suicidal behaviors in children. METHODS 26 mental health clinicians provided their perspectives through interviews or focus groups. Participant responses were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Mental health clinicians described how self-harm and suicidal behaviors may present differently in children compared with adolescents, particularly with the methods used. Using developmentally appropriate language and including parents or carers when screening for self-harm and suicidal behaviors was recommended by clinicians. The inclusion of parents or carers throughout the treatment process was important for clinicians, including helping parents understand their child's behavior and manage their own distress. Clinicians also highlighted the benefit of collaborating with schools to support children, yet noted primary school staff require training in responding to child self-harm and suicidal behavior. The limited services available for children 12 years and under including emergency care services, was identified as a problem. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight the importance of timely assessment and interventions which include mental health and medical clinicians, parents, carers, and school staff to support children with self-harm and suicidal behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Townsend
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Karlen R Barr
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Caitlin E Miller
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Gillian Sanzone
- Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Graduate School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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Zalewski M, Byrd AL, Vine V, Hernandez AC, Stepp SD. Maternal suicide risk predicts preschooler emotional and behavioral problems. Psychiatry Res 2024; 337:115969. [PMID: 38772159 PMCID: PMC11189097 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Maternal history of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) has been identified as a robust risk factor for offspring emotional and behavioral problems, including risk for offspring STBs. The impact of maternal history of STBs has been well-documented in adolescent and young adult samples, with emerging research highlighting the need to examine early clinical correlates of risk in young children, prior to the emergence of STBs. In an extension of prior work, the current study examined associations between maternal history of STBs and previously identified emotional and behavioral correlates of STBs (negative affect, internalizing problems, attention problems, aggressive behavior) in young children. These associations were examined in a mother-preschooler sample (n = 158, mean preschooler age=41.52 months) with approximately half of mothers endorsing a history of STBs and 20 % of the sample scoring at the threshold that indicates suicide risk. In multivariate models, maternal history of STBs was significantly associated with preschooler aggressive behavior, assessed via mother- (β=0.19) and teacher-report (β=0.21), as well as mother-reported negative affect (β=0.22). Results document a link between maternal history of STBs and increased risk for heightened negative affect and aggressive behavior at home and school during the sensitive preschool period. Findings are discussed within the context of enhancing models of intergenerational transmission suicide risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy L Byrd
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Vera Vine
- Queens University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | | | - Stephanie D Stepp
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Hennefield L, Denton EG, Chen PG, Sheftall AH, Ayer L. Preteen Suicide Risk Screening in the Pediatric Outpatient Setting: A Clinical Pathway. J Acad Consult Liaison Psychiatry 2024:S2667-2960(24)00065-X. [PMID: 38908827 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaclp.2024.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
We are in a youth mental health crisis with unprecedented and staggeringly high rates of suicidal ideations and suicide behaviors in preteens. In the United States, 14.5% of children aged 9-10 have experienced suicidal thoughts and behaviors, including 1.3% with a suicide attempt. American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines call for universal suicide risk screening of youth aged 12 years and older during preventative health care visits and screening in preteens aged 8-11 years when clinically indicated. However, what constitutes a clinical indication at 8-11 years can be difficult to systematically detect, and pediatric practitioners may not be equipped with necessary age-specific assessment tools. This is compounded by the lack of emphasis on preteen suicide risk screening (and focus on adolescents), which leaves practitioners without age-appropriate resources to make clinical determinations for at-risk preteens. The objective of this project was to develop an evidence-informed suicide risk screening pathway for pediatric practitioners to implement with preteen patients in outpatient settings. Suicide risk assessment in younger children (<8 years) is also briefly addressed. We convened a group of researchers and practitioners with expertise in preadolescent suicide, pediatric medicine, behavioral health screening integration with primary care, and child development. They reviewed the empirical literature and existing practice guidelines to iterate on a multi-informant clinical suicide risk screening pathway for preteens that includes both caregivers and preteens in the screening process. We also developed tools and accompanying guidelines for a preteen suicide risk screening workflow and risk determination to aid practitioners in deciding who, when, and how to screen. Finally, we provide scripts for introducing suicide risk screening to caregivers and preteens and to discuss screening findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hennefield
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO.
| | - Ellen-Ge Denton
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | | | - Arielle H Sheftall
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
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Shahnovsky O, Pirogovsky L, Toukhy N, Akhavan S, Grisaru Hergas D, Apter A, Haruvi-Catalan L, Benaroya-Milshtein N, Fennig S, Barzilay S. Psychosocial Correlates of Suicidal Ideation and Behavior in Adolescents and Preadolescent Children Discharged from an Emergency Department in Israel. Arch Suicide Res 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38813975 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2024.2358090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Adolescent suicidal behavior is highly prevalent in pediatric psychiatric emergency departments, and there is a growing occurrence of such behavior among preadolescent children. This study aims to examine the psychosocial factors associated with nonfatal suicidal behaviors in children (<12 years old) and adolescents (aged 12-18), to gain insight into unique and shared characteristics of suicidal behavior across these two age groups. METHOD This study investigates the psychosocial characteristics associated with suicidal ideation and behaviors in an emergency department sample of 183 children and adolescents aged 7-18 years in Israel. Participants completed a diagnostic interview, and self-report and parent-report questionnaires of psychosocial measures. Cross-sectional correlational and regression analyses were used to determine significant correlates of suicidal outcomes within the two age groups. RESULTS Among adolescents, females exhibited a higher prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, while in children, both boys and girls showed similar rates. Depression correlated with suicidal ideation for both adolescents and children. In children, anxiety and conduct symptoms were associated with suicidal behavior, whereas in adolescents, suicidal behavior was associated with depression and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS The present findings contribute to the growing understanding of factors associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors among children in comparison to adolescents. These findings underscore the importance of targeting specific risk factors when developing assessment and intervention strategies tailored to the two age groups.
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Ayer L, Hassler G, Ohana E, Sheftall AH, Anderson NW, Griffin BA. Longitudinal trajectories of suicidal ideation among child welfare-involved 7- to 12-year-old children. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024. [PMID: 38659338 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young children involved in the child welfare system (CWS) are at high risk for suicidal ideation (SI) at a time when overall rates of suicide death in this age group are rising. Yet risk factors for and changes in SI over time are poorly understood in this population. METHOD We combined data from two large representative longitudinal studies of children involved in the United States CWS. We examined patterns of SI among children who were between ages 7 and 12 years at the initial survey wave (N = 2,186), assessed at three waves using a measure of SI in the past 2 weeks. We conducted a multinomial regression to understand the baseline demographic, child maltreatment, and mental health characteristics that distinguish the trajectories. RESULTS There were eight different subgroups (Non-Ideators, Late Ideators, Boomerang Ideators, Delayed Ideators, Desisters, Boomerang Non-Ideators, Late Desisters, and Persisters). Differences in race, type of maltreatment, sex, and mental health symptoms were identified when comparing Persisters (SI at all three waves) to other groups. CONCLUSIONS These findings can help researchers and practitioners to develop strategies for better identifying CWS-involved children who are in greatest need of suicide risk monitoring and intervention.
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Connell AM, Seidman S, Ha T, Stormshak E, Westling E, Wilson M, Shaw D. Long-term Effects of the Family Check-Up on Suicidality in Childhood and Adolescence: Integrative Data Analysis of Three Randomized Trials. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2023; 24:1558-1568. [PMID: 35476247 PMCID: PMC9606146 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-022-01370-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study employed integrative data analysis techniques to examine the long-term effects of the family check-up (FCU) on changes in youth suicide risk using three randomized prevention trials, including one trial initiated in early childhood and two initiated in early adolescence. Data were harmonized across studies using moderated nonlinear factor analysis, and intervention effects were tested using an autoregressive latent trajectory model examining changes in suicide risk across long-term follow-up. Across trials, significant long-term effects of the FCU on reductions in suicide risk were observed, although differences between intervention and control group trajectories declined over time. No moderation of intervention effects was observed by youth gender or race/ethnicity or across samples. While results offer further support for the benefits of the FCU for suicide risk reduction, they also suggest that such effects may wane over time, underscoring the need for continued development of the FCU to enhance longer-term durability of effects on suicide-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thao Ha
- Arizona State University, Tempe, USA
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Chen Q, Armstrong SE, Vakil F, Bridge JA, Keilp JG, Sheftall AH. Neurocognitive and clinical characteristics of elementary school-aged children with a history of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. J Affect Disord 2023; 339:318-324. [PMID: 37442443 PMCID: PMC10530242 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) in elementary school-aged youth have increased in recent years. Understanding the risks associated with childhood STBs is necessary for prevention efforts. METHODS The current study examined clinical and neurocognitive characteristics of a community sample of elementary school-aged children with (STB+) and without (STB-) a history of STBs. The final sample included 93 families with children average age of 7.8 years (SD = 1.3). Children in this sample were racially diverse, evenly split by sex, and most identified as non-Hispanic. Neurocognitive functioning was assessed using computerized behavioral measures. Child clinical characteristics were assessed using self-report measures and STB history was assessed using semi-structured interviews. RESULTS Of the 93 families, 64 STB- children and 29 STB+ children participated. On average, STB+ children were older, reported higher levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms, and were more likely to have a parental history of suicidal behavior (PH+). Regarding neurocognitive functioning, STB+ children exhibited lower raw scores for both the NIH Dimensional Change Card Sort Task (NIH-DCCS) and NIH Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test (NIH-Flanker). Multivariable regression analyses revealed raw scores for NIH-DCCS and NIH-Flanker, PH+ status, and child age were associated with childhood STBs. LIMITATIONS Prospective data is needed to confirm cross-sectional findings. CONCLUSIONS Poorer neurocognitive functioning and PH+ status may serve as risk markers for STBs in elementary school-aged children. Targeting prevention programming for these risks may reduce the likelihood of STBs in at-risk elementary school-aged youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Chen
- Columbia University, NY, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Fatima Vakil
- Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) North America, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey A Bridge
- Center for Suicide Prevention and Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America; Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - John G Keilp
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, NY, New York, United States of America
| | - Arielle H Sheftall
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States of America.
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Van Meter AR, Knowles EA, Mintz EH. Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: International Prevalence of Suicidal Ideation and Attempt in Youth. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 62:973-986. [PMID: 36563876 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2022.07.867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Globally, rates of youth suicide vary considerably. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) are consistently associated with risk of death by suicide. However, international trends in STB have not yet been compared. To address this gap, an international meta-analysis of epidemiological and school-based studies that report on STB in youth was conducted. METHOD Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed and PsycINFO through April 2022. Eligible studies included prevalence of active suicidal ideation (SI) or suicide attempts (SA) in community youth younger than age 22. All studies were coded by 2 authors. Mixed models accounting for shared methods and including hypothesized moderators were conducted using the metafor package in R. RESULTS There were 371 effect sizes for SI, 94 for SI with a plan, and 316 for SA, representing 149 regions. Year of data collection ranged from 1981 to 2021. Participants were 6 to 21 years old. The prevalence of SI ranged across regions from 14.3% to 22.6%; the prevalence of SA ranged from 4.6% to 15.8%. Year was not associated with increasing STB prevalence except for studies from the United States, which showed increasing rates of SI and SA since 2007. CONCLUSION This is the most comprehensive meta-analysis of STB in youth, providing valuable data about how risk factors most commonly associated with suicide vary internationally and over time. International rates of STB among youth are not improving and may be getting worse in the United States, despite efforts to reduce suicide risk. Most studies did not report rates of SI or SA separately for LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and others) youth and youth of color. A better understanding of proximal risk at the individual level will be important to informing future prevention efforts, especially for high-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna R Van Meter
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York; Zucker Hillside Hospital, Queens, New York; Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York; Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, New York.
| | - Ellen A Knowles
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York; Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, New York
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Acker J, Aghaee S, Mujahid M, Deardorff J, Kubo A. Structural Racism and Adolescent Mental Health Disparities in Northern California. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2329825. [PMID: 37594761 PMCID: PMC10439477 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.29825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Understanding how structural racism is associated with adolescent mental health is critical to advance health equity. Objective To assess associations between neighborhood privilege, measured by the Index of Concentration at the Extremes (ICE) and adolescent depressive symptoms, suicidality, and related racial and ethnic disparities. Design, Setting, and Participants This was a retrospective cohort study using electronic health records of adolescents aged 12 to 16 years who attended well-teen visits between 2017 and 2021. Kaiser Permanente Northern California is an integrated health care delivery system serving 4.6 million members. The cohort included 34 252 individuals born singleton at an affiliated facility from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2009, and who had completed at least 1 mental health screener during a well-teen visit by November 23, 2021. Exposures American Community Survey 2016 to 2021 5-year estimates were used to calculate ICE scores for adolescents' residential census tract at ages 10 to 11. Three ICE measures were used as proxies of structural racism: racial privilege (ICE-race and ethnicity; hereinafter ICE-race), economic privilege (ICE-income), and combined economic and racial privilege (ICE-income plus race and ethnicity; herinafter ICE-income plus race). ICE scores were categorized into quintiles based on California statewide distributions. Main Outcomes and Measures Depressive symptoms and suicidality were assessed through self-report screeners during well-teen visits. Depressive symptoms were considered to be present if patients had a score on the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 of 3 or higher (the tool uses a Likert scale to determine the frequency [0 = not at all; 3 = nearly every day] that they had depressed mood and lack of pleasure in usual activities in the past 2 weeks; responses were summed and dichotomized). Results Analyses included 34 252 adolescents (12-16 years of age; mean [SD] age, 13.7 [0.8] years; 17 557 [51.3%] male, 7284 [21.3%] Asian or Pacific Islander, 2587 [7.6%] Black], 9061 [26.5%] Hispanic, 75 [0.2%] American Indian or Indigenous, 12 176 [35.5%] White, and 3069 [9%] other or unknown). Risks of depressive symptoms and suicidality generally increased with each level of declining neighborhood privilege. Adjusted risk ratios comparing adolescents from neighborhoods with the least to most racial and economic privilege were 1.37 (95% CI, 1.20-1.55) for depressive symptoms and 1.59 (95% CI, 1.23-2.05) for suicidality. Racial disparities between Black and White youth and Hispanic and White youth decreased after adjusting for each ICE measure, and became nonsignificant in models adjusting for ICE-race and ICE-income plus race. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study, lower neighborhood privilege was associated with greater risks of adolescent depressive symptoms and suicidality. Furthermore, adjusting for neighborhood privilege reduced mental health disparities affecting Black and Hispanic adolescents. These findings suggest that efforts to promote equity in adolescent mental health should extend beyond the clinical setting and consider the inequitable neighborhood contexts that are shaped by structural racism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Acker
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley
| | - Sara Aghaee
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, Oakland
| | | | | | - Ai Kubo
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, Oakland
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13
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Li P, Wang Y, Kovess-Masfety V, Su X, Hou X, Li M, Li P, Li J, Pang J, Ma H, Yu H, Yang T, Yin H, Xu G. Suicidal ideation and its relationship with mental health reported by different informants among children aged 6-12. J Affect Disord 2023; 334:271-277. [PMID: 37156271 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicidal ideation in children has received less attention than in adolescents. This study aimed to explore the self-reported prevalence of suicidal ideation among children aged 6-12 and to identify the relationship between self-reported suicidal ideation and children's mental health reported by different informants in Chinese setting. METHOD The study sample was 1479 children aged 6-12 from three elementary schools in Tianjin. Children completed the Dominic Interactive to report their mental health and suicidal ideation. Parents and teachers completed the Socio-Demographic Questionnaire and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). RESULTS The prevalence of suicidal thoughts and death thoughts was 18.05 % and 16.90 %, respectively. Parent reported emotional symptoms, ADHD and externalized problems were associated with death thoughts, and ADHD was associated with suicidal thoughts. For teacher's reports, emotional symptoms, and impact were associated with death thoughts, and ADHD, peer problems, internalized problems, and internalized and externalized comorbidity were associated with suicidal thoughts. All of the children's self-reported mental health problems were associated with suicidal thoughts and death thoughts. LIMITATIONS Causality cannot be inferred in a cross-sectional study. CONCLUSION Suicidal ideation is not uncommon in Chinese children. The relationships between mental health problems and suicidal ideation varied in different informants. Suicide prevention in young children should be enhanced, and screening for suicidal ideation is recommended at the onset of different informants who reported specific mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyao Li
- Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Viviane Kovess-Masfety
- LPPS, University of Paris, France; Department of Psychiatry, Mc Gill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Xuyang Su
- Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Xiaofei Hou
- Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Minghui Li
- Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Peiying Li
- Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Jinhao Li
- Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Jingjuan Pang
- Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - He Ma
- Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Hang Yu
- Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Tengfen Yang
- Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Huifang Yin
- Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin 300222, China.
| | - Guangming Xu
- Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin 300222, China.
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14
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Bridge JA, Ruch DA, Sheftall AH, Hahm HC, O’Keefe VM, Fontanella CA, Brock G, Campo JV, Horowitz LM. Youth Suicide During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Pediatrics 2023; 151:e2022058375. [PMID: 36789551 PMCID: PMC10227859 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-058375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify potential differential changes in youth suicide deaths associated with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic to better inform suicide prevention strategies. METHODS This cross-sectional study analyzed national suicide data for US youth aged 5 to 24 years from 2015 to 2020. Annual and monthly numbers of suicides were extracted overall and by sex, age, race and ethnicity, and method. Expected suicides were modeled from the trend in monthly deaths before COVID-19 (January 1, 2015-February 29, 2020), by using interrupted time-series analyses with quasi-Poisson regression. Rate ratios (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to compare expected and observed suicides during the first 10 months of COVID-19 (March 1, 2020-December 31, 2020). RESULTS Among 5568 identified youth suicides during the 2020 pandemic, 4408 (79.2%) were male, 1009 (18.1%) Hispanic, 170 (3.3%) non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native, 262 (4.7%) Asian/Pacific Islander, 801 (14.4%) Black, and 3321 (59.6%) white. There was a significant increase in overall observed versus expected youth suicides during the COVID-19 pandemic (RR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01-1.07), equivalent to an estimated 212 excess deaths. Demographic subgroups including males (RR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02-1.08), youth aged 5 to 12 years (RR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.03-1.41) and 18 to 24 years (RR =1.05, 95% CI = 1.02-1.08), non-Hispanic AI/AN youth (RR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.03-1.39), Black youth (RR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.12-1.29), and youth who died by firearms (RR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.10-1.19) experienced significantly more suicides than expected. CONCLUSIONS Suicide deaths among US youth increased during COVID-19, with substantial variation by sex, age, race and ethnicity, and suicide method. Suicide prevention strategies must be tailored to better address disparities in youth suicide risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A. Bridge
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital Center for Suicide Prevention and Research, Columbus, Ohio
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Donna A. Ruch
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital Center for Suicide Prevention and Research, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Arielle H. Sheftall
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | | | - Victoria M. O’Keefe
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for American Indian Health, Department of International Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Cynthia A. Fontanella
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital Center for Suicide Prevention and Research, Columbus, Ohio
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Guy Brock
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - John V. Campo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lisa M. Horowitz
- National Institute of Mental Health, Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland
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15
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Spears AP, Gratch I, Nam RJ, Goger P, Cha CB. Future Directions in Understanding and Interpreting Discrepant Reports of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among Youth. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, DIVISION 53 2023; 52:134-146. [PMID: 36473063 PMCID: PMC9898197 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2022.2145567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Both the quality and utility of youth suicide research depend on how we assess our outcomes of interest: suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). We now have access to more STB assessments than ever before, with measures for youth that vary in what exact experiences are asked about, how such measures elicit information, when and how frequently measures are administered, and who the informants are. This growing armamentarium of assessments has the potential to improve the study and treatment of STBs among youth, but it hinges on meaningful interpretation of assessment responses. Interpretation can be especially challenging when different STB assessments yield conflicting information. Determining how to manage discrepant reports of STBs is a pivotal step toward achieving meaningfully comprehensive STB assessment batteries. Here, we outline several discrepant reporting patterns that have been detected, discuss the potential significance of these observed discrepancies, and present initial steps to formally investigate discrepant reports of STBs among youth. Developing coherent, interpretable, and comprehensive batteries assessing STBs among youth would address a fundamental step to uncovering etiology, improving clinical decision-making and case management, informing intervention development, and tracking prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Page Spears
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University
| | - Ilana Gratch
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University
| | - Rachel J Nam
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University
| | - Pauline Goger
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University
| | - Christine B Cha
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University
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16
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Laurenzi CA, Mamutse S, Marlow M, Mawoyo T, Stansert Katzen L, Carvajal-Velez L, Lai J, Luitel N, Servili C, Sinha M, Skeen S. Critical life course interventions for children and adolescents to promote mental health. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2022; 10:e4. [PMID: 36843881 PMCID: PMC9947636 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2022.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood and adolescence are key developmental periods in the life course for addressing mental health, and there is ample evidence to support significant, increased investment in mental health promotion for this group. However, there are gaps in evidence to inform how best to implement mental health promotion interventions at scale. In this review, we examined psychosocial interventions implemented with children (aged 5–10 years) and adolescents (aged 10–19 years), drawing on evidence from WHO guidelines. Most psychosocial interventions promoting mental health have been implemented in school settings, with some in family and community settings, by a range of delivery personnel. Mental health promotion interventions for younger ages have prioritised key social and emotional skills development, including self-regulation and coping; for older ages, additional skills include problem-solving and interpersonal skills. Overall, fewer interventions have been implemented in low- and middle-income countries. We identify cross-cutting areas affecting child and adolescent mental health promotion: understanding the problem scope; understanding which components work; understanding how and for whom interventions work in practice; and ensuring supportive infrastructure and political will. Additional evidence, including from participatory approaches, is required to tailor mental health promotive interventions to diverse groups’ needs and support healthy life course trajectories for children and adolescents everywhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina A. Laurenzi
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sihle Mamutse
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Marguerite Marlow
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tatenda Mawoyo
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Linnea Stansert Katzen
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Liliana Carvajal-Velez
- Division of Data, Analytics, Planning and Monitoring, Data and Analytics Section, UNICEF, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joanna Lai
- Programme Group, Health Section, UNICEF, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nagendra Luitel
- Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Chiara Servili
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Sarah Skeen
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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17
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Burgdorf CE, Maholmes V, O’Connor S, Blachman-Demner DR. Emerging research areas and contributions of NIH in violence research across the lifespan and throughout different settings. Transl Behav Med 2022; 12:956-964. [DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibac052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
This commentary provides background for NIH’s interest in research designed to better understand the causes and consequences of violence and the development, evaluation, and implementation of preventive and treatment interventions to address the resulting trauma, injuries, and mortality from violence. The manuscript describes the context that contributed to a range of initiatives from the NIH focused on violence research, with a particular emphasis on firearms violence prevention research, and opportunities and gaps for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E Burgdorf
- Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD 20892 , USA
| | - Valerie Maholmes
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD 20892 , USA
| | - Stephen O’Connor
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD 20892 , USA
| | - Dara R Blachman-Demner
- Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD 20892 , USA
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18
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Lee PH, Doyle AE, Silberstein M, Jung JY, Liu R, Perlis RH, Roffman J, Smoller JW, Fava M, Kessler RC. Associations Between Genetic Risk for Adult Suicide Attempt and Suicidal Behaviors in Young Children in the US. JAMA Psychiatry 2022; 79:971-980. [PMID: 36044238 PMCID: PMC9434482 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.2379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Suicide rates have been increasing among youth in the US. While the heritability of suicide risk is well established, there is limited understanding of how genetic risk is associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young children. OBJECTIVE To examine whether genetic susceptibility to suicide attempts (SAs) is associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This case-control study examined data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, a population-based longitudinal study of 11 878 US children enrolled at age 9 and 10 years from September 2016 to November 2018. Youth reports of suicidal ideation (SI) and SAs were obtained from the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorder and Schizophrenia at baseline and 2 subsequent years. After conservative quality control of genotype data, this analysis focused on 4344 unrelated individuals of European ancestry. Data analysis was conducted from November 2020 to February 2022. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Children's lifetime experiences of SI and SAs were assessed each year from ages 9 to 10 years to ages 11 to 12 years. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for SAs were calculated for ABCD study participants based on the largest genome-wide association study of SA cases and controls of European ancestry (total sample n = 518 612). RESULTS Of 4344 children of European ancestry (2045 [47.08%] female; mean [SD] age, 9.93 [0.62] years), significant associations were found between children's SA PRSs and their lifetime SAs with the most robust association in the follow-up year 2 (odds ratio, 1.43 [95% CI, 1.18-1.75]; corrected P = 1.85 × 10-3; Nagelkerke pseudo R2 = 1.51%). These associations remained significant after accounting for children's sociodemographic backgrounds, psychopathology symptoms, parental histories of suicide and mental health, and PRSs for major depression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (likelihood ratio test P < .05). Children's depressive mood and aggressive behavior were the most significant partial mediators of SA genetic risk on SAs (mediation analysis P < 1 × 10-16). Children's behavioral problems, such as attention problems, rule-breaking behavior, and social problems, also partially mediated the association of SA PRSs with SAs (mediation analysis false discover rate < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study's findings indicate that there may be genetic factors associated with SA risk across the life span and suggest behaviors and conditions through which the risk could be mediated in childhood. Further research is warranted to examine whether incorporating genetic data could improve the identification of children at risk for suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phil H. Lee
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston,Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Alysa E. Doyle
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston,Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Jae-Yoon Jung
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Richard Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston,Depression Clinical & Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Roy H. Perlis
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston,Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Joshua Roffman
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Jordan W. Smoller
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston,Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Maurizio Fava
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Ronald C. Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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19
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Schober DJ, Benjamins MR, Saiyed NS, Silva A, Shrestha S. Suicide Rates and Differences in Rates Between Non-Hispanic Black and Non-Hispanic White Populations in the 30 Largest US Cities, 2008-2017. Public Health Rep 2022; 137:921-928. [PMID: 34478341 PMCID: PMC9379849 DOI: 10.1177/00333549211041548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, and rates vary by race and ethnicity. An analysis of suicide across large US cities is absent from the literature. The objective of this study was to examine suicide rates among the total population, non-Hispanic Black population, and non-Hispanic White population in the United States and in the 30 largest US cities. METHODS We used data from the National Vital Statistics System to calculate non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and total age-adjusted suicide rates for the 30 largest US cities and for the entire nation during 2 periods: 2008-2012 and 2013-2017. We also examined absolute and relative differences in suicide rates among non-Hispanic White populations and non-Hispanic Black populations in each city. RESULTS The overall age-adjusted suicide rate per 100 000 population in the United States increased significantly from 12.3 in 2008-2012 to 13.5 in 2013-2017. Total suicide rates were stable in most cities; rates increased significantly in only 1 city (Louisville), and rates decreased significantly in 2 cities (Boston and Memphis). The non-Hispanic White suicide rate was significantly higher-1.3 to 4.3 times higher-than the non-Hispanic Black suicide rate in 24 of 26 study cities during 2013-2017. From 2008-2012 to 2013-2017, non-Hispanic White suicide rates decreased significantly in 3 cities and increased significantly in 3 cities; non-Hispanic Black suicide rates increased significantly in 5 cities and decreased in none. Absolute differences in suicide rates among non-Hispanic White populations and non-Hispanic Black populations increased significantly in 1 city (Louisville) and decreased significantly in 2 cities (Memphis and Boston). CONCLUSIONS Our study may inform the use of evidence-based programs and practices to address population-level risk factors for suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Schober
- 2453 Master of Public Health Program, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Abigail Silva
- 12248 Public Health Sciences, Loyola University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Susana Shrestha
- 2453 Master of Public Health Program, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA
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20
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O'Hare K, Watkeys O, Whitten T, Dean K, Laurens KR, Harris F, Carr VJ, Green MJ. Parental and community risk factors for childhood self-harm thoughts and behaviours. J Affect Disord 2022; 310:279-283. [PMID: 35569604 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.05.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood self-harm is rare but increasing in frequency. Little is known about risk factors specifically for self-harm in preteen children. METHODS We examined self-harm thoughts and behaviours in children aged 3-14 years in association with parental and community-level risk factors, using a large general population-based record linkage sample (n = 74,479). RESULTS Parental factors were strongly associated with childhood self-harm, with over three-quarters of children with self-harm having a parent with a history of mental disorder and/or criminal offending. Community-level factors (socioeconomic deprivation, remote or regional location, and neighbourhood crime rate) were not associated with childhood self-harm after adjustment for confounding factors. LIMITATIONS Measures of self-harm thoughts and behaviours derived from administrative data likely underestimate the prevalence of self-harm in the population. CONCLUSIONS Intergenerational transmission of risk factors is likely an important contributor to childhood self-harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstie O'Hare
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Oliver Watkeys
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tyson Whitten
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; School of Social Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kimberlie Dean
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kristin R Laurens
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Psychology and Counselling, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Felicity Harris
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Vaughan J Carr
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Melissa J Green
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia.
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21
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Lee PH, Doyle AE, Li X, Silberstein M, Jung JY, Gollub RL, Nierenberg AA, Liu RT, Kessler RC, Perlis RH, Fava M. Genetic Association of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Major Depression With Suicidal Ideation and Attempts in Children: The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:236-245. [PMID: 35216811 PMCID: PMC9213568 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is among the leading causes of death in children and adolescents. There are well-known risk factors of suicide, including childhood abuse, family conflicts, social adversity, and psychopathology. While suicide risk is also known to be heritable, few studies have investigated genetic risk in younger individuals. METHODS Using polygenic risk score analysis, we examined whether genetic susceptibility to major psychiatric disorders is associated with suicidal behaviors among 11,878 children enrolled in the ABCD (Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development) Study. Suicidal ideation and suicide attempt data were assessed using the youth report of the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for DSM-5. After performing robust quality control of genotype data, unrelated individuals of European descent were included in analyses (n = 4344). RESULTS Among 8 psychiatric disorders we examined, depression polygenic risk scores were associated with lifetime suicide attempts both in the baseline (odds ratio = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.10-2.18, p = 1.27 × 10-2) and in the follow-up year (odds ratio = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.08-1.77, p = 1.05 × 10-2), after adjusting for children's age, sex, socioeconomic backgrounds, family history of suicide, and psychopathology. In contrast, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder polygenic risk scores were associated with lifetime suicidal ideation (odds ratio = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.05-1.26, p = 3.71 × 10-3), suggesting a distinct contribution of the genetic risk underlying attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and depression on suicidal behaviors of children. CONCLUSIONS The largest genetic sample of suicide risk data in U.S. children suggests a significant genetic basis of suicide risk related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and depression. Further research is warranted to examine whether incorporation of genomic risk may facilitate more targeted screening and intervention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phil H Lee
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
| | - Alysa E Doyle
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xuyang Li
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Micah Silberstein
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jae-Yoon Jung
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Randy L Gollub
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andrew A Nierenberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Dauten Family Center for Bipolar Treatment Innovation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Richard T Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ronald C Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Roy H Perlis
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Maurizio Fava
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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22
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Liu RT, Walsh RFL, Sheehan AE, Cheek SM, Sanzari CM. Prevalence and Correlates of Suicide and Nonsuicidal Self-injury in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry 2022; 79:718-726. [PMID: 35612875 PMCID: PMC9134039 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.1256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Considerably less is known about self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs) in preadolescence than older age groups, owing partly to the common view that young children are incapable of suicidal thoughts. Yet, preadolescent suicide has increased in recent years and is now the fifth leading cause of death in this age group, leading the National Institute of Mental Health to identify it as a priority for research and intervention. OBJECTIVE To assess prevalence estimates of preadolescent SITBs, identify correlates of these outcomes, and conduct head-to-head comparisons of preadolescent and adolescent SITBs in terms of associated characteristics. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Embase were systematically searched from inception through December 23, 2021, for studies on the prevalence and correlates of preadolescent SITBs. The search was restricted to English language publications and peer-reviewed journals. STUDY SELECTION Two reviewers independently identified studies providing data on prevalence and correlates of preadolescent SITBs. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two reviewers independently extracted data from each study, and the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Prevalence Studies was used to assess study quality. Pooled prevalence and Cohen d were derived from random-effects meta-analyses. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline was followed. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, suicide deaths, and nonsuicidal self-injury among preadolescents. RESULTS Fifty-eight studies with 626 486 590 individuals were included. Lifetime prevalence of suicide in the general population was 0.79 per 1 million children. Prevalence for lifetime suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, and nonsuicidal self-injury among preadolescents were 15.1%, 2.6%, and 6.2%, respectively, in community samples. These data suggest that approximately 17.0% of preadolescents with suicidal ideation transition to attempting suicide. Across several analyses, male individuals appear more likely to have SITBs in preadolescence than adolescence. Correlate data were modest for SITBs other than suicidal ideation, but among specific disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (suicidal ideation: d = 0.54 [95% CI, 0.34-0.75]) and depression (suicidal ideation: d = 0.90 [95% CI, 0.71-1.09]; suicide attempts: d = 0.47 [95% CI, 0.26-0.68]) emerged as the strongest correlates. Among interpersonal factors, child maltreatment (suicidal ideation: d = 2.62 [95% CI, 1.56-3.67]) and parental support (suicidal ideation: d = -0.34 [95% CI, -0.46 to -0.22]) yielded the largest effect sizes. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this systematic review anda meta-analysis, although preadolescent suicide deaths were rare, other SITB types occur with concerning frequency. Male individuals were at greater risk for SITBs in preadolescence relative to adolescence. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, child maltreatment, and parental support were especially relevant to suicidal ideation, as well as depression for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, in this age group. Further study, especially of SITBs other than suicidal ideation, is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard T. Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Rachel F. L. Walsh
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ana E. Sheehan
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark
| | - Shayna M. Cheek
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Christina M. Sanzari
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany
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Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among Maryland Middle School Students. SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH 2022; 14:1024-1043. [PMID: 35669255 PMCID: PMC9145114 DOI: 10.1007/s12310-022-09521-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify independent risk and protective factors associated with self-reported suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) among young adolescents by examining self-report data on mental health, substance abuse, violence involvement, social and economic challenges and supports, physical health and demographics in relation to STB. Data from nearly 27,000 students who completed the 2018-19 Maryland Middle School Youth Risk Behavior Survey/Youth Tobacco Survey (YRBS/YTS) were used to identify independent risk and protective factors associated with STB among middle school students (grades 6–8; ages 11-14). Twenty-three percent of students reported lifetime suicidal ideation and nine percent reported lifetime attempt(s). Independent risk factors associated with STB include depression, substance abuse or misuse, violence involvement, bullying victimization at school or electronically, sexual activity, and sleep deprivation. Protective factors include having an adult outside of school to confide in and feeling that teachers care and provide encouragement. Interactive effects by gender and/or race/ethnicity were observed for some factors in relation to STB. These results suggest that evidence-based programs and policies at the universal and selective/indicated levels in school settings are needed and should be introduced earlier on to address the widespread prevalence of STB in young adolescents. Program planners should take into consideration social, cultural and language needs when implementing and developing intervention strategies.
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Sheftall AH, Vakil F, Ruch DA, Boyd RC, Lindsey MA, Bridge JA. Black Youth Suicide: Investigation of Current Trends and Precipitating Circumstances. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022; 61:662-675. [PMID: 34509592 PMCID: PMC8904650 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2021.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Suicide among Black youth is a significant public health concern, yet research investigating the epidemiology of suicide in this population is limited. This study examines current trends and precipitating circumstances of suicide by sex and age group in Black youth 5 to 17 years of age, using 2 national databases. METHOD Data from the Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) and the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) were used to investigate trends and precipitating circumstances of Black youth suicide from 2003 to 2017. We hypothesized suicide rates would increase over time for both sexes and all age groups (5-11, 12-14, and 15-17 years), and precipitating circumstances would differ by sex and age group. Trend analyses were conducted using Joinpoint regression software, version 4.8.0.01 (Surveillance Research Program, National Cancer Institute). Sex and age group comparisons of characteristics and precipitating circumstances were conducted using standard univariate statistical tests. RESULTS From 2003 to 2017, Black youth experienced a significant upward trend in suicide with the largest annual percentage change in the 15- to 17-year age group and among girls (4.9% and 6.6%, respectively). Mental health problems, relationship problems, interpersonal trauma and life stressors, and prior suicidal thoughts/behavior were the most common clinical characteristics and precipitating circumstances, with several varying by sex and age group. CONCLUSION Increases in Black youth suicide calls for the prioritization of research aimed at identifying specific risk and protective factors as well as developmental mechanisms associated with Black youth suicidal behavior. To implement effective suicide prevention programming, understanding targets for intervention is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle H Sheftall
- Center for Suicide Prevention and Research, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio; The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus.
| | - Fatima Vakil
- Center for Suicide Prevention and Research, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Donna A Ruch
- Center for Suicide Prevention and Research, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Rhonda C Boyd
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Michael A Lindsey
- Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York; McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research, New York
| | - Jeffrey A Bridge
- Center for Suicide Prevention and Research, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio; The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus
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25
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Ayer L, Pane JD, Godley MD, McCaffrey DF, Burgette L, Cefalu M, Vegetabile B, Griffin BA. Comparative effectiveness of individual versus family-based substance use treatment on adolescent self-injurious thoughts and behaviors. J Subst Abuse Treat 2022; 139:108782. [PMID: 35461747 PMCID: PMC9674085 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2022.108782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITB) are of increasing concern among adolescents, especially those who use substances. Some evidence suggests that existing evidence-based substance use treatments (EBTs) could impact not only their intended substance use targets but also SITB. However, which types of substance use treatments may have the greatest impact on youth SITB is not yet clear. Based on prior literature showing that family support and connection may buffer youth from SITB, we initially hypothesized that family-based EBTs would show greater improvement in SITB compared to those receiving individually focused EBTs and that the size of the effects would be small given the comparison between two active, evidence-based interventions, and base rates of SITB. METHODS In a sample of 2893 youth in substance use treatment, we compared the effectiveness of individually and family-based EBTs in reducing SITBs. The study used entropy balancing and regression modeling to balance the groups on pre-treatment characteristics and examine change in outcomes over a one-year follow-up period. RESULTS Both groups improved in self-injury and suicide attempts over the one-year study period, but only youth in individual treatment improved in suicidal ideation. However, the study found no significant difference between the changes over time in the two groups for any outcome. As expected, effect sizes were small and power was constrained in this study given the rarity of the outcomes, but effect sizes are similar to those observed with substance use outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The results provide important exploratory evidence on the potential relative effectiveness of these two treatments for SITBs. This study supports prior findings that EBTs for youth substance use may help to improve SITB and suggests that different treatment formats (individual or family-based) could result in different benefits for SITB outcomes.
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O'Halloran L, Coey P, Wilson C. Suicidality in autistic youth: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev 2022; 93:102144. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Oppenheimer CW, Glenn CR, Miller AB. Future Directions in Suicide and Self-Injury Revisited: Integrating a Developmental Psychopathology Perspective. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, DIVISION 53 2022; 51:242-260. [PMID: 35380885 PMCID: PMC9840868 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2022.2051526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline W Oppenheimer
- RTI International, Mental Health Risk and Resilience Program, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Catherine R Glenn
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Adam Bryant Miller
- RTI International, Mental Health Risk and Resilience Program, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Marraccini ME, Lindsay CA, Griffin D, Greene MJ, Simmons KT, Ingram KM. A Trauma- and Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI)-Informed Approach to Suicide Prevention in School: Black Boys' Lives Matter. SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW 2022; 52:292-315. [PMID: 37484214 PMCID: PMC10358449 DOI: 10.1080/2372966x.2021.2010502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Black boys have been dying by suicide at an increasing rate. Although the reasons for this increase are unknown, suicide in Black boys is likely influenced by multiple, intersecting risk factors, including historical and ongoing trauma. Schools can serve as an important mechanism of support for Black boys; however, without intentional anti-racist frameworks that acknowledge how intersecting identities can exacerbate risk for suicide, schools can overlook opportunities for care and perpetuate a cycle of racism that compromises the mental health of Black youth. By recognizing their own implicit biases, modeling anti-racist practices, listening to and recognizing the strengths and diversity of Black youth, and fostering school-family-community partnerships, school psychologists can help transform the school environment to be a safe and culturally affirming place for Black youth. This paper outlines how school psychologists can apply a trauma- and Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI)-informed approach to suicide prevention in order to more holistically support Black boys, disrupt patterns of aggressive disciplinary procedures, and improve school-based suicide prevention programs. By applying this lens across a multitiered systems of support (MTSS) framework, school psychologists can help to prevent the deaths of Black boys and begin to prioritize the lives of Black boys.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dana Griffin
- School of Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Meghan J Greene
- School of Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Ramadas S, Vijayakumar S. An attempt of lethal self-harm in a 7-year-old child. ARCHIVES OF MENTAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/amh.amh_71_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Hennefield L, Hao JM, Joiner T, Whalen D, Giorio C, Luby JL. Young children with suicidal thoughts and behaviors more likely to resolve conflicts with violence, homicide, or suicide: A study of internal working models using narratives. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND CLINICAL SCIENCE 2022; 131:26-33. [PMID: 35230126 PMCID: PMC9439584 DOI: 10.1037/abn0000723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
There is mounting evidence that young children who express suicidal ideation (SI) have a different conceptualization of death than their peers. This study characterizes 3- to 6-year-olds' depictions of violence, death, and suicidal themes in a story completion task as a function of their history of SI. Participants were 228 children with depression (3.0-6.9 years) who completed a comprehensive psychiatric assessment and four story stem narratives. For each narrative, an interviewer began a story with a conflict that the child was encouraged to resolve. Children's resolutions were coded for standard themes and negative atypical themes including violence and homicide, accidental harm or death, and suicidal ideation/acts. Themes were examined as a function of children's SI status: active-SI (n = 25), passive-SI (n = 28), or no history of SI (n = 175). Across the narratives, 89 children described at least one negative atypical theme: violence or homicide (n = 78), accidental harm or death (n = 22), and suicide (n = 13). The responses of children with active-SI included significantly more violence or homicide than children without SI. Moreover, current active-SI predicted suicidal themes. There were no group differences in accidental harm or death, nor in common aggressive or punitive acts (e.g., hitting, yelling, spanking), indicating specificity between active-SI and more intense violence and death-related themes. In sum, young children with active SI are more likely than their depressed peers without SI to incorporate violence, homicide, and suicide into their narratives around conflict resolution. These themes appear more salient to depressed children with SI and pervasive in their thoughts and problem-solving strategies. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Diana Whalen
- Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | | | - Joan L. Luby
- Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
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Marraccini ME, Drapeau CW, Stein R, Pittleman C, Toole EN, Kolstad M, Tow AC, Suldo SM. Characterizing children hospitalized for suicide-related thoughts and behaviors. Child Adolesc Ment Health 2021; 26:331-338. [PMID: 33779031 PMCID: PMC8476654 DOI: 10.1111/camh.12454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite alarming increases in suicide deaths among preadolescent children, knowledge of the precipitants of suicide risk and the characteristics of children who seek treatment for suicidality is limited. This study's purpose is to describe children (ages 6-12) hospitalized for suicide-related concerns and compare demographic and diagnostic differences between children and adolescent (ages 13-18) patients. METHODS This retrospective study analyzed medical records of 502 children and adolescents ages 6-18 admitted for suicide-related risk to one psychiatric inpatient hospital in southeastern United States between 2015 and 2018. RESULTS Patients were predominantly White (63.5%), female (64.5%), and non-Hispanic/Latino (85.1%). We conducted descriptive analyses and a series of logistic regressions comparing children and adolescents with data extracted from discharge summaries, (i.e. primary reasons for admission, environmental stressors, and diagnostic categories). Common environmental stressors included school (63.2%) and family (60.7%), and the most common diagnosis included depressive disorders. Compared to adolescents, children were more likely to be Black (OR = 1.99), male (OR = 1.94), and receive neurodevelopmental disorder (aOR = 3.0) or trauma and stress-related disorder (aOR = 2.6) diagnoses, but less likely to be diagnosed with a depressive disorder (aOR = 0.4). Across both age-groups, Black patients were more likely to be diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders and less likely to receive internalizing disorder diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS Characteristics of children hospitalized for suicide-related risk are relatively similar to characteristics of children dying by suicide. Compared to adolescents, hospitalized children are more likely to be Black, male, and have a neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosis. Proactively identifying and providing strengths-based supports for Black boys and families appear critical for suicide prevention in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa E Marraccini
- School of Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Rachel Stein
- School of Education and Human Development, University of Colorado, Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Cari Pittleman
- School of Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Emily N Toole
- School of Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Molly Kolstad
- School of Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Amanda C Tow
- School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Shannon M Suldo
- College of Education, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
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Sheftall AH, Vakil F, Armstrong SE, Rausch JR, Feng X, Kerns KA, Brent DA, Bridge JA. Clinical risk factors, emotional reactivity/regulation and suicidal ideation in elementary school-aged children. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 138:360-365. [PMID: 33930615 PMCID: PMC8192478 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Suicidal behavior (SB) in young children is rare yet in 2019, suicide was the fifth leading cause of death in 5-12-year-old youth. Understanding the risks associated with childhood suicidal ideation (SI) and SB will determine which factors should be targeted for prevention programming. This study examined clinical characteristics and emotional reactivity/regulation (ERR) in children with (SI+) and without (SI-) SI. METHOD One hundred seventeen children, 6-9 years, and one biological parent were enrolled. Children completed interviews concerning SI/SB and parents completed interviews/self-reports about SI/SB, psychiatric distress, and history of abuse/neglect and their child's SI/SB, mental health, and ERR. Independent t-tests and Chi-square analyses using Bonferroni correction were conducted to examine SI group differences. Variables were then screened using forward stepwise logistic regression to determine association with SI + status. The final logistic regression included variables that survived screening procedures only. RESULTS Univariate analyses revealed SI + children were more likely to have a parental history of suicide attempt (PH+), higher rates of current psychotropic medication use, higher scores on the CBCL-DSM oriented scales (e.g., ADHD problems), and higher negative affect compared to SI- children. After analytic screening procedures, PH+, anxiety problems, ADHD problems, and anger survived. The final logistic regression revealed PH + status and anxiety problems were associated with SI + status. CONCLUSION Long-term follow-up is needed to determine if these factors are predictive of a first-time suicide attempt in this at-risk group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle H Sheftall
- Center for Suicide Prevention and Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, College of Medicine, USA.
| | - Fatima Vakil
- Center for Suicide Prevention and Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, USA
| | - Sarah E Armstrong
- Center for Suicide Prevention and Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, USA
| | - Joseph R Rausch
- Center for Suicide Prevention and Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, USA
| | - Xin Feng
- Department of Human Sciences, College of Education and Human Ecology, Ohio State University, USA
| | - Kathryn A Kerns
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, USA
| | - David A Brent
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Western Psychiatric Hospital, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Bridge
- Center for Suicide Prevention and Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, USA; Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, Ohio State University College of Medicine, USA
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Bath E, Njoroge WFM. Coloring Outside the Lines: Making Black and Brown Lives Matter in the Prevention of Youth Suicide. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2021; 60:17-21. [PMID: 33010455 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2020.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Black children are killing themselves in increasing numbers and have been for the past 20 years.1 Importantly, these increasing rates of suicidality in young Black children, 5-11 years of age, was first identified in 2015.2 This finding was striking, as African American children had been historically noted to have lower suicidality rates than their non-Latinx White (NLW) peers.2 Of further concern is the fact that while suicidality rates had been steadily increasing in African American children for more than 2 decades, NLW same-aged peers had seen a decrease in suicidality during this same period (Table 1). While our field has made great strides in suicide prevention, there have been glaring omissions with respect to exploration of racial/ethnic differences and how experiences of racism may amplify risk. We have not mobilized to address these disparities in care and still lack clear understanding of the reasons behind this disturbing trend, particularly given the diminution in NLW suicide rates during the same time period. What has become increasingly clear though is that the experiences of Black children have been left out of our collective response to youth suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eraka Bath
- Jane and Terry Semel Neuropsychiatric Institute of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Wanjikũ F M Njoroge
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
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AANP Forum. J Nurse Pract 2020; 16:A8-A10. [PMID: 32412539 PMCID: PMC7211493 DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2020.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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