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Robinson KL, Pretorius C, Blumenthal R, Meyer P. The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Suicide Trends in Pretoria, South Africa. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2024; 45:202-209. [PMID: 38833342 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Suicide is one of the worldwide leading causes of unnatural death. Pretoria is a capital city of South Africa and is the fourth most populated city in South Africa. Between 16 and 22 suicide cases are recorded daily in South Africa.Case files from the Pretoria Medico-Legal Laboratory were reviewed between 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2021, which spanned the COVID-19 pandemic. All cases of possible and probable suicides were included. One-way analysis of variance and Pearson chi 2 tests were conducted to determine statistical significance in the observed trends.A total of 1820 possible and probable suicide cases were identified. The year following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic accounted for the largest number of suicides. White males were the most heavily represented population, followed by Black males. Hanging was the most common method for males, whereas poisoning via ingestion and/or overdose was more commonly used by females.Suicides in Pretoria have increased since previous studies from 9.74% and 10.2% to 13.32%. Methods used have changed among various population groups over the past two decades. This paper examined changes in suicide trends in Pretoria compared to previous studies and highlighted correlations between suicide trends and COVID-19 lockdown measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay-Leigh Robinson
- From the Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria
| | - Candice Pretorius
- From the Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria
| | - Ryan Blumenthal
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Pretoria, Prinshof Campus, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Pieter Meyer
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Pretoria, Prinshof Campus, Pretoria, South Africa
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Gómez-Revuelta M, Sánchez-Lafuente CG, Yáñez JS, Pindado LMG, Echevarría LESE, Meseguer TC, Ruiz EG, Bourgon JV, Simón JÁA, Díaz AIDS, Terán JMP. Long-term COVID-19 pandemic impact on suicide Thoughts and Behaviors (STB): An interrupted time series analysis in Spain 2-year after pandemic outbreak. Psychiatry Res 2024; 339:116086. [PMID: 39053212 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.116086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
This study assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) by age and gender in Cantabria, Spain, from January 2019 to March 2022, using interrupted time series analysis. Post-lockdown, STB declined in males (-42 %, p = 0.01) and females (-25 %, p = 0.58), with a gradual increase in both genders. The reduction was most pronounced in older adults (-39 %, p = 0.56), followed by middle-aged (-26 %, p = 0.36) and younger groups (-8.3 %, p = 0.25). Subsequent upward trends in STB were more pronounced in younger (p = 0.15) and older age groups (p = 0.25), likely due to prolonged isolation and economic hardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Gómez-Revuelta
- University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL Research Foundation, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Avda. Valdecilla n 25, 39008, SANTANDER, Cantabria, Santander, Spain.
| | - Carlos Gómez Sánchez-Lafuente
- Málaga Regional University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, School of Psychology, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Javier Sastre Yáñez
- University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL Research Foundation, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Avda. Valdecilla n 25, 39008, SANTANDER, Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Luis Mariano Gaite Pindado
- University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL Research Foundation, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Avda. Valdecilla n 25, 39008, SANTANDER, Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Luisa Elvira San Emeterio Echevarría
- University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL Research Foundation, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Avda. Valdecilla n 25, 39008, SANTANDER, Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Telva Carceller Meseguer
- University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL Research Foundation, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Avda. Valdecilla n 25, 39008, SANTANDER, Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Elsa Gómez Ruiz
- University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL Research Foundation, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Avda. Valdecilla n 25, 39008, SANTANDER, Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Javier Vázquez Bourgon
- University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL Research Foundation, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Avda. Valdecilla n 25, 39008, SANTANDER, Cantabria, Santander, Spain; CIBERSAM, Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Ángel Artal Simón
- University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL Research Foundation, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Avda. Valdecilla n 25, 39008, SANTANDER, Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel de Santiago Díaz
- University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL Research Foundation, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Avda. Valdecilla n 25, 39008, SANTANDER, Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - José María Pelayo Terán
- CIBERSAM, Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain; Servicio de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Hospital El Bierzo, Gerencia de Asistencia Sanitaria del Bierzo (GASBI), Servicio de Salud de Castilla y León (SACYL), Ponferrada (León), Spain; Área de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública. Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas. Universidad de León. León, Spain
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Moscoso A, Cousien A, Serra G, Erlangsen A, Vila M, Paradžik L, Pires S, Villar F, Bogadi M, da Silva PC, Vicari S, Krantz MF, Delorme R. Pediatric suicide attempts lagged during the COVID-19 pandemic: a European multicenter study. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2024; 18:98. [PMID: 39113125 PMCID: PMC11308394 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-024-00784-2] [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: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated rates of suicidal behavior were reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, information is scarce on patients' profiles during this period. Studies evoke the potential adverse effects of the mandatory lockdown, but they remain relatively speculative. METHODS We monitored fluctuations in suicide attempts (SA) in six European countries. We gathered data, retrospectively for under 18-year-old SA episodes (1 January 2018 to 31 December 2021), through records of psychiatric emergency services. We collected clinical profiles individually. We extracted environmental indicators by month, as provided by Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT). We used the Pruned Exact Linear Time (PELT) method to identify breakpoints in SA episodes reported for each country, and logistic regressions to estimate changes in patients' characteristics after the breakpoints. Finally, we used a univariate and multivariate negative binomial model to assess the link between SA and OxCGRT indicators, accounting for the delay (lag) between the interventions and their impact on SA. RESULTS The study comprised 2,833 children and adolescents (mean age = 15.1 years (SD 1.6); M: F sex-ratio = 1:5.4). A significant increase in SA was found either 6 or 10 months after the beginning of the pandemic, varying by country. Patients were more likely to be girls (aOR = 1.77 [1.34; 2.34]) and used SA methods "other than self-poisoning" (aOR = 1.34 [1.05; 1.7]). In the multivariate model, an association was found between SA and the contact tracing indicator with an 11 months delay, and the number of COVID-19 deaths with a 3-months delay. CONCLUSIONS Findings confirmed a delayed increase in SA during the COVID-19 pandemic in children and adolescents as well as changes in patients' profiles. The duration and severity of the pandemic emerged as the strongest predictor in the rise of SA. If faced with a similar pandemic in the future, the gap between the onset of pandemic and the increase in suicide attempts presents an opportunity for prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Moscoso
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP & Université Paris Cité Paris, 48, Boulevard Sérurier, 75935 Paris Cedex 19, Paris, France.
| | - Anthony Cousien
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Inserm, IAME, F‑75018, Paris, France
| | - Giulia Serra
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Annette Erlangsen
- Danish Research Institute for Suicide Prevention, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Mar Vila
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Sandra Pires
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Hospital D. Estefânia, CHLC, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Francisco Villar
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marija Bogadi
- Psychiatric Hospital for Children and Youth, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Stefano Vicari
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Mette Falkenberg Krantz
- Danish Research Institute for Suicide Prevention, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health- CORE, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Richard Delorme
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP & Université Paris Cité Paris, 48, Boulevard Sérurier, 75935 Paris Cedex 19, Paris, France
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Hercus C, Baird A, Ibrahim S, Turnbull P, Appleby L, Singh U, Kapur N. Suicide in individuals with eating disorders who had sought mental health treatment in England: a national retrospective cohort study. Lancet Psychiatry 2024; 11:592-600. [PMID: 39025631 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(24)00143-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although studies have suggested a high risk of suicide in people with eating disorders, most studies have focused on suicidal ideation and attempts. There is little research on the characteristics of people with eating disorders who died by suicide, nor investigation of trends over time. We aimed to compare the characteristics of patients with eating disorders who died by suicide versus patients with other mental health diagnoses who died by suicide in England and to examine the trends in rates. METHODS In this national retrospective cohort study, data on all people (aged ≥10 years) who died by suicide in England, UK, between Jan 1, 1997, and Dec 31, 2021, while under the care (within the previous 12 months) of mental health services were obtained from the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health (NCISH), in which clinical information is collected via a questionnaire completed by the mental health professional responsible for the patient's care. Incidence of suicide in, and demographic, clinical, and treatment characteristics of, patients with a diagnosis of eating disorder (as recorded by the treating clinician) who died by suicide were compared with patients with other mental health diagnoses who died by suicide within the same timeframe using univariable logistic regression analysis. People with related lived experience were involved in the study design, implementation, interpretation, and writing of the manuscript. FINDINGS Of 119 446 people for whom NCISH were notified of dying by suicide in England, 30 795 were under the recent care of mental health services, of whom 30 246 had known diagnoses and were included in analyses. Of these individuals, 10 373 (34%) were female and 19 873 (66%) were male; 2236 (8%) were of minority ethnicity; 382 (1%) had a diagnosis of eating disorder and 29 864 (99%) had another mental health diagnosis. Compared with patients with other mental health diagnoses who died by suicide, patients with eating disorders were younger (median age 33 years [range 15-90] vs 45 years [10-100]), more often female (343 [90%] female and 39 [10%] male in the eating disorders group; 10 030 [34%] female and 19 834 [66%] male in the other diagnoses group), and less likely to have evidence of conventional risk factors for suicide such as living alone (odds ratio [OR] 0·68, 95% CI 0·55-0·84). 22 (6%) of 382 were from a minority ethnic group. Patients with an eating disorder were characterised by a greater clinical complexity (eg, self-harm [OR 2·31, 95% CI 1·78-3·00], comorbidity [9·79, 6·81-14·1], and longer duration of illness [1·95, 1·56-2·43]), and were more likely to have died following overdoses (2·00, 1·62-2·45) than patients with other diagnoses. Childhood abuse (52 [37%] of 140) and domestic violence (18 [20%] of 91) were common in patients with eating disorders. Similar to patients with other diagnoses, most (244 [75%] of 326) of those with eating disorders who died by suicide were rated as low risk by clinicians at last contact. The number of suicide deaths in patients with eating disorders rose between 1997 and 2021 (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1·03, 95% CI 1·02-1·05; p<0·0001), but rates fell when accounting for the greater number of patients entering mental health services (IRR 0·97, 0·95-1·00; p=0·033). INTERPRETATION This study was focused on people who sought help from mental health services. It did not consider subtypes of eating disorders or include a control group, but it does highlight possible areas for intervention. The comprehensive provision of evidence-based treatment for eating disorders and underlying conditions to address the clinical complexity in these patients might help to reduce suicide. Recognising limitations in clinical risk assessment, addressing early life experiences and current adversities, and appropriate prescribing might also be of benefit. Suicide prevention must remain a priority for eating disorder services and mental health care more widely. FUNDING The Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Hercus
- Department of Psychiatry, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Alison Baird
- National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health (NCISH), Centre for Mental Health and Safety, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Saied Ibrahim
- National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health (NCISH), Centre for Mental Health and Safety, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Pauline Turnbull
- National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health (NCISH), Centre for Mental Health and Safety, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Louis Appleby
- National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health (NCISH), Centre for Mental Health and Safety, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Urvashnee Singh
- Esus Centre Integrated Eating Disorder Day Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Nav Kapur
- National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health (NCISH), Centre for Mental Health and Safety, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Research Collaboration, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
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Levi-Belz Y, Blank C, Groweiss Y, Neria Y. The impact of PTSD symptoms on suicide ideation in time of terror and war: A nationwide prospective study on the moderating role of loneliness. Psychiatry Res 2024; 338:115996. [PMID: 38823164 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
The terrorist attack of October 7, 2023, and its accompanying war have increased the risk for posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and suicide ideation (SI). In this national prospective cohort study, we examined the extent to which a sense of loneliness moderates the association between PTSS and SI in the wake of the October 7th attack and the Israel-Hamas war. A representative sample of 710 Israeli adults (362 female, 51.1 %) aged 18-85 (M = 41.01, SD = 13.72) participated in a longitudinal study assessing depression, current SI, and loneliness at two time points: T1, one month before the attack (August 2023) and T2 (November 2023), one month after the attack. We found two significant interactions in which a sense of loneliness at T2 moderated the link between both PTSS at T1 and T2 and current SI at T2. Specifically, the level of PTSS contributed to current SI at T2 more strongly among individuals reporting higher loneliness levels than those reporting low loneliness levels. Clinicians treating individuals coping with high PTSS levels should attend to their patients' sense of loneliness, as it comprises a significant risk factor for current SI and may be considered an important target in treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yossi Levi-Belz
- The Lior Tsfaty Center for Suicide and Mental Pain Studies, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel; Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel.
| | - Carmel Blank
- The Lior Tsfaty Center for Suicide and Mental Pain Studies, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel; Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
| | - Yoav Groweiss
- The Lior Tsfaty Center for Suicide and Mental Pain Studies, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
| | - Yuval Neria
- Department of Psychiatry and New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NY, USA
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Lantos T, Nyári TA. The impact of the first year of COVID-19 pandemic on suicides in a collection of 27 EU-related countries. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17671. [PMID: 39085389 PMCID: PMC11291984 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68604-3] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Disasters, including epidemics, have a characteristic course, both in terms of the specific events and the human reactions to them. However, it is difficult to predict whether the COVID-19 pandemic will eventually lead to an increase in suicide rates. We aimed to provide a general pattern of the change in suicide rates in the countries linked to the European Union by direct comparison of the years 2019 and 2020 by gender and age group, grouped according to the predominant religions. Overall, 27 countries were included in the analysis. Incidence rate ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated to characterise annual changes in the incidence of suicide deaths. In almost two-thirds of the countries studied, suicide rates did not increase. The largest increases were observed in Catholic-majority and 'mixed' Catholic-Protestant countries, but this was significant only for the oldest age group (over 65 years). This increase was even more marked within some Catholic-majority countries (Hungary, Ireland, and Spain) during the first months of the pandemic. There was no statistically significant increase overall in the suicide death rates in Europe. However, the pattern of suicide rates has changed significantly in some countries, and by age group and religion, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Lantos
- Department of Medical Physics and Informatics, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 9 Korányi Alley, Szeged, 6720, Hungary.
| | - Tibor András Nyári
- Department of Medical Physics and Informatics, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 9 Korányi Alley, Szeged, 6720, Hungary
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Palmer PK, Siddiqui Z, Moore MA, Grant GH, Raison CL, Mascaro JS. Hospital Chaplain Burnout, Depression, and Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:944. [PMID: 39063520 PMCID: PMC11277059 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21070944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Healthcare personnel experienced unprecedented stressors and risk factors for burnout, anxiety, and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. This may have been particularly true for spiritual health clinicians (SHCs), also referred to as healthcare chaplains. We administered a daily pulse survey that allowed SHCs to self-report burnout, depression, and well-being, administered every weekday for the first year of the pandemic. We used a series of linear regression models to evaluate whether burnout, depression, and well-being were associated with local COVID-19 rates in the chaplains' hospital system (COVID-19 admissions, hospital deaths from COVID-19, and COVID-19 ICU census). We also compared SHC weekly rates with national averages acquired by the U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey (HPS) data during the same timeframe. Of the 840 daily entries from 32 SHCs, 90.0% indicated no symptoms of burnout and 97.1% were below the cutoff for depression. There was no statistically significant relationship between any of the COVID-19 predictors and burnout, depression, or well-being. Mean national PHQ-2 scores were consistently higher than our sample's biweekly means. Understanding why SHCs were largely protected against burnout and depression may help in addressing the epidemic of burnout among healthcare providers and for preparedness for future healthcare crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia K. Palmer
- Spiritual Health, Woodruff Health Sciences Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (P.K.P.); (G.H.G.); (C.L.R.)
| | - Zainab Siddiqui
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA (M.A.M.)
| | - Miranda A. Moore
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA (M.A.M.)
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - George H. Grant
- Spiritual Health, Woodruff Health Sciences Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (P.K.P.); (G.H.G.); (C.L.R.)
| | - Charles L. Raison
- Spiritual Health, Woodruff Health Sciences Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (P.K.P.); (G.H.G.); (C.L.R.)
| | - Jennifer S. Mascaro
- Spiritual Health, Woodruff Health Sciences Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (P.K.P.); (G.H.G.); (C.L.R.)
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA (M.A.M.)
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Yamamura Y, Matsumoto N, Takao S, Yorifuji T. Emergency Dispatches for Suicide Attempts during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Okayama, Japan: An Interrupted Time-series Analysis. JMA J 2024; 7:418-422. [PMID: 39114600 PMCID: PMC11301099 DOI: 10.31662/jmaj.2024-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Yamamura
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Naomi Matsumoto
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Soshi Takao
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takashi Yorifuji
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
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Kim S, Park J, Lee H, Lee H, Woo S, Kwon R, Kim S, Koyanagi A, Smith L, Rahmati M, Fond G, Boyer L, Kang J, Lee JH, Oh J, Yon DK. Global public concern of childhood and adolescence suicide: a new perspective and new strategies for suicide prevention in the post-pandemic era. World J Pediatr 2024:10.1007/s12519-024-00828-9. [PMID: 39008157 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-024-00828-9] [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: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is the second leading cause of death in young people worldwide and is responsible for about 52,000 deaths annually in children and adolescents aged 5-19 years. Familial, social, psychological, and behavioral factors play important roles in suicide risk. As traumatic events such as the COVID-19 pandemic may contribute to suicidal behaviors in young people, there is a need to understand the current status of suicide in adolescents, including its epidemiology, associated factors, the influence of the pandemic, and management initiatives. DATA SOURCES We investigated global and regional suicide mortality rates among children and adolescents aged 5-19 years using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019. The suicide mortality rates from 1990 to 2019 were examined in 204 countries and territories across six World Health Organization (WHO) regions. Additionally, we utilized electronic databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus, and employed various combinations of terms such as "suicide", "adolescents", "youth", "children", "risk factors", "COVID-19 pandemic", "prevention", and "intervention" to provide a narrative review on suicide within the pediatric population in the post-pandemic era. RESULTS Despite the decreasing trend in the global suicide mortality rate from 1990 to 2019, it remains high. The mortality rates from suicide by firearms or any other specified means were both greater in males. Additionally, Southeast Asia had the highest suicide rate among the six WHO regions. The COVID-19 pandemic seems to contribute to suicide risk in young people; thus, there is still a strong need to revisit appropriate management for suicidal children and adolescents during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS The current narrative review integrates up-to-date knowledge on suicide epidemiology and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, risk factors, and intervention strategies. Although numerous studies have characterized trends in suicide among young people during the pre-pandemic era, further studies are required to investigate suicide during the pandemic and new strategies for suicide prevention in the post-pandemic era. It is necessary to identify effective prevention strategies targeting young people, particularly those at high risk, and successful treatment for individuals already manifesting suicidal behaviors. Care for suicidal children and adolescents should be improved with parental, school, community, and clinical involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soeun Kim
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Precision Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jaeyu Park
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Regulatory Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyeri Lee
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Regulatory Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hayeon Lee
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Selin Woo
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Rosie Kwon
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sunyoung Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ai Koyanagi
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lee Smith
- Centre for Health, Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Masoud Rahmati
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, Lorestan University, Khoramabad, Iran
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan, Iran
- CEReSS-Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Guillaume Fond
- CEReSS-Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Laurent Boyer
- CEReSS-Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Jiseung Kang
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jun Hyuk Lee
- Health and Human Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jiyeon Oh
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dong Keon Yon
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
- Department of Precision Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
- Department of Regulatory Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.
- Department of Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, 23 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, South Korea.
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10
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Singh G, Hansen JP, Hulgaard D, Damkjær M, Christiansen E. Impact of COVID-19 restrictions on self-poisoning behaviour with mild analgesics in Danish youth. Nord J Psychiatry 2024; 78:431-439. [PMID: 38625374 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2024.2339433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the implementation of precautions to contain the disease, including lockdowns and social isolation. Previous studies have investigated suicide rates among children and adolescents during the pandemic and have found varying results. We speculated how the two lockdowns influenced suicidal behaviour in children and adolescents in Denmark. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the effect of lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide attempts, as measured by the incidence rate in all self-poisonings with mild analgesics among children and adolescents. METHODS This national Danish registry-based study on children and adolescents used Poisson regression and interrupted time series analysis to examine the incidence rates and trends of self-poisonings with mild analgesics from 2019 to mid-2021. RESULTS For the period of this study, 1655 self-poisonings were registered. During the first lockdown, there was a slight, not statistically significant, decrease in self-poisoning rates (incidence rate ratio [IRR]) 0.98) compared to no lockdown. During the second lockdown, there was a significant increase in self-poisonings for the whole Danish population (IRR 1.85) with girls being slightly higher at risk (IRR 1.87). Being a girl or between the ages of 13-17 years old were risk factors for self-poisoning. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that the restrictions enforced during the second lockdown greatly impacted youth mental health, especially girls, leading to an 85% increase in self-poisonings. We hope for increased awareness of mental health in children and adolescents during possible future lockdowns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurbhej Singh
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Kolding, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jonathan Pommer Hansen
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Kolding, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ditte Hulgaard
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Kolding, Denmark
- Research Unit Mental Health, Children and Adult, Aabenraa, Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mads Damkjær
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Kolding, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Erik Christiansen
- Research Unit Mental Health, Children and Adult, Aabenraa, Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Centre for Suicide Research, Odense, Denmark
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Levi-Belz Y, Shoval-Zuckerman Y, Blank C, Groweiss Y, Neria Y. The moderating role of belongingness in the contribution of depression to suicide ideation following the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack in Israel: A nationwide prospective study. J Affect Disord 2024; 356:292-299. [PMID: 38615841 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.04.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION With >1300 civilians murdered, the terrorist attack of October 7 is one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in modern history. Previous research documented a sharp increase in depression in the aftermath of the attacks and the military conflict that followed. In this national prospective cohort study, we examined to what extent perceived belongingness (PB) moderates the association between depression and suicide ideation (SI) in the wake of the October 7th terrorist attack. METHODS A representative sample of 710 Israeli adults (of them, 362 females, 51.1 %), Jews (557, 79.9 %), and Arabs (153, 20.1 %), aged 18-85 (M = 41.01, SD = 13.72) completed questionnaires assessing depression, current SI, and perceived belongingness at two timepoints: T1 (in August 2023) and T2 (in November 2023). RESULTS Perceived belongingness at T1 predicted SI at T2 beyond demographic and trauma-related characteristics. Importantly, we found a significant interaction in which a PB at T1 moderated the link between depression and current SI at T2. Specifically, the level of depression at T2 contributed to current SI-T2 more strongly for individuals with low PB levels than for individuals with high PB levels. DISCUSSION Our study highlights the impact of PB on SI following the October 7th terrorist attack. Clinicians treating individuals coping with depression should attend to their patients' sense of belongingness, as low PB comprises a significant risk factor for current SI. Moreover, community and national initiatives that could increase levels of PB among the citizens may help to diminish suicide risk in the aftermath of the attack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yossi Levi-Belz
- The Lior Tsfaty Center for Suicide and Mental Pain Studies, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel; Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel.
| | | | - Carmel Blank
- The Lior Tsfaty Center for Suicide and Mental Pain Studies, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel; Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
| | - Yoav Groweiss
- The Lior Tsfaty Center for Suicide and Mental Pain Studies, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
| | - Yuval Neria
- Department of Psychiatry and New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NY, USA
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12
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Ushimoto T, Tanaka K, Kaneto Y, Nakajima K, Inaba H. Association of the COVID-19 pandemic with the incidence of suicidal/self-harm emergencies in Japan: dependence of trend on the regional length of movement restriction. Intern Emerg Med 2024:10.1007/s11739-024-03694-5. [PMID: 38926245 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-024-03694-5] [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: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Reportedly, coronavirus disease pandemic 2019 (COVID 19) was associated with an increased rate of emergency department visits related to suicide in youth. This study analyzed the influence of the pandemic on the incidence of emergency transportation associated with suicide attempts and self-harm. METHODS This retrospective cohort study used the Nationwide Emergency Medical Services Transportation Database between 2016 and 2021 for main analyses and extended database for resuscitation-attempted out-of-hospital cardiac arrests cases for secondary analyses. RESULTS We analyzed 204,081 cases with suicidal/self-harm emergencies. Compared with corresponding periods of 4 pre-pandemic years, the incidence of suicidal/self-harm emergencies increased after the end of the first nationwide declaration of emergency and remained high in youth (incidence rate ratio; 95% lower/upper interval, 1.29; 1.22-1.37 and 1.33; 1.28-1.39,), particularly in females (1.35; 1.27-1.46 and 1.40; 1.33-1.48) during the remaining pandemic period (Phase I (June 2020 to December 2020) and Phase II (2021), respectively). Compared with other emergencies, suicidal/self-harm emergencies were associated with a much higher proportion of outpatient deaths regardless of the pandemic. Suicidal out-of-hospital cardiac arrests cases were associated with much poorer outcomes. CONCLUSION The incidence of suicidal/self-harm emergency transportation in youth considerably increased during COVID 19 after the end of the first state of emergency declaration in Japan. This pandemic's impact varied among sex and region, appearing most prominently in young females. Rapid accumulation of suicidal/self-harm emergency transportation incidences may serve as an early warning sign for mental health problems and suicidality in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoyuki Ushimoto
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kanazawa Medical University, 1-1 Daigaku, Kahoku-Gun, Uchinada, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan.
| | - Koichi Tanaka
- Department of Emergency Medical Science, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Kaneto
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kanazawa Medical University, 1-1 Daigaku, Kahoku-Gun, Uchinada, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Kento Nakajima
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kanazawa Medical University, 1-1 Daigaku, Kahoku-Gun, Uchinada, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
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13
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Tu L, Liu Y, Zhu H, Zhang Q, Ji X. Characteristics of drug overdose suicide attempts presenting to the psychiatric emergency department of Beijing Anding Hospital. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1597. [PMID: 38877447 PMCID: PMC11179331 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19095-4] [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: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overdose-related suicide attempts represent a significant portion of self-harm presentations in the psychiatric emergency department (ED). Identifying specific patient characteristics associated with these attempts holds promise for pinpointing drug classes with elevated risk and paving the way for tailored suicide prevention interventions. This study aims to examine the demographic profiles of ED patients who had experienced overdose-related suicide attempts. METHODS This retrospective study was conducted at Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 2020 to December 2021. Patients with psychiatric drug overdose suicide attempts presenting to the psychiatric ED were included. Sociodemographic characteristics and the specific classes of drugs involved were collected, and analysed descriptively. RESULTS This study examined 252 overdose patients, excluding 51 patients treated with alcohol or nonpsychiatric drugs, and a total 201 cases were included. The mean age of the patients was 28 ± 16 years (median 23, range 12-78), and 82% (n = 165) of the sample were females. Notably, nearly half (45%) of the patients were aged ≤ 20 years. While the number of cases decreased with increasing age, a significant increase was observed in 2021 compared to 2020. Benzodiazepines (BZDs) were the most frequently implicated substance class (n = 126, 63%), followed by antidepressants (n = 96, 48%), antipsychotics (n = 44, 22%), Z-drugs (n = 43, 21%), and mood stabilizers (n = 36, 18%). For adolescents, antidepressants (n = 52, 71%) overtook BZDs (n = 38, 52%) as the most common drug. The monthly distribution of cases revealed peaks in April and November. Furthermore, 21% (n = 42) of patients ingested more than two psychotropic medications concurrently. Finally, approximately half (n = 92) of the patients required inpatient admission for further treatment. Comparisons between hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients did not reveal any significant differences. CONCLUSIONS The present study revealed a greater prevalence of suicide overdose attempts among young females receiving prescriptions for antidepressants and/or BZDs. This finding suggests a potential need for enhanced monitoring of suicidal behaviour in this specific population when prescribing psychotropic medications. These findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge regarding drug overdose suicide attempts in psychiatric emergency settings and underscore the importance of further research to develop targeted prevention interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Tu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, & the Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Capital Medical University, 5 Ankang Lane, Dewai Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, & the Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Capital Medical University, 5 Ankang Lane, Dewai Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, & the Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Capital Medical University, 5 Ankang Lane, Dewai Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Qinge Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, & the Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Capital Medical University, 5 Ankang Lane, Dewai Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100088, China.
| | - Xiao Ji
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, & the Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Capital Medical University, 5 Ankang Lane, Dewai Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100088, China.
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14
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Arya V, Burgess P, Diminic S, Harris MG, Slade T, Sunderland M, Tapp C, Vescovi J, Pirkis J. Suicidal ideation, suicide plans and suicide attempts among Australian adults: Findings from the 2020-2022 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2024:48674241256753. [PMID: 38859550 DOI: 10.1177/00048674241256753] [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: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of suicidal ideation, suicide plans and suicide attempts, examine services received for suicide attempts, and explore the relationship between suicide attempts and self-harm without suicidal intent. METHODS We used survey data from the 2020-2022 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, which involved a nationally representative sample of Australian adults aged 16-85 (n = 15,893). Comparisons were made with the 2007 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing (n = 8841). RESULTS In 2020-2022, the proportions of adults who had experienced suicidal ideation, suicide plans and suicide attempts during their lifetime were 16.6%, 7.5% and 4.9%, respectively. The proportions who had experienced these in the past 12 months were 3.3%, 1.1% and 0.3%. The odds of experiencing suicidal ideation and making a suicide plan were significantly higher in 2020-2022 than in 2007. Groups at heightened risk of suicidal ideation, suicide plans and/or suicide attempts in the previous 12 months were males, young people, people who were gay, lesbian, or bisexual or used some other term to describe their sexual identity, people outside the labour force, people from disadvantaged areas and people with mental disorders. Two-fifths of those who attempted suicide during the previous 12 months did not use health services following their attempt, and two-thirds also self-harmed without suicidal intent. CONCLUSION The implications of these findings for the forthcoming National Suicide Prevention Strategy are discussed. Suicidal thoughts and behaviours confer risk for suicide and are significant problems in their own right. Their prevention requires a strong whole-of-government response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Arya
- Centre for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Philip Burgess
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD, Australia
| | - Sandra Diminic
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD, Australia
| | - Meredith G Harris
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD, Australia
| | - Tim Slade
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew Sunderland
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Caley Tapp
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD, Australia
| | - Joshua Vescovi
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane Pirkis
- Centre for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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15
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Okada M, Matsumoto R, Motomura E. Suicide mortality rates in Japan before and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic era. PCN REPORTS : PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES 2024; 3:e188. [PMID: 38868081 PMCID: PMC11114309 DOI: 10.1002/pcn5.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Statistical analyses from Japan reported increasing suicides in 2020, first in the world, proving the severity of the public health crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, so far, international suicides have not been shown to be objectively increasing at population level. Followed studies reported the existence of a substantial heterogeneity of suicides among subgroups and time-lag impacts. Against public health crisis in Japan, policymakers, psychiatrists and public health personnel should prioritize improving suicide prevention programs following evidence-based policymaking. Understanding how/what factors relate to the COVID-19 pandemic and what other factors have shaped the increasing suicide numbers since 2020 through objectively well-controlled/fine-grained analyses of high-quality longitudinal/cross-sectional data at the individual, regional, and national levels is important for identifying the reasons for the recent trend. For this purpose, this study examined suicide statistics, statistical analysis methods, and their interpretations. Recent analyses suggest an increased suicide risk among females <50 years and males <30 years in 2020-2022. Notably, time-series analyses revealed that adolescent suicides began increasing before the pandemic, while working-age female suicides sharply increased synchronously with the pandemic outbreak. Causality analyses suggest that social issues facing Japan and recent global psychosocial and socioeconomic transformations are risk factors for suicide in high-risk groups. Finally, this report demonstrates the importance of providing appropriate support based on an objective understanding of individuals who are at risk for suicide, without being bound by traditional established knowledges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motohiro Okada
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Division of Neuroscience, Graduate School of MedicineMie UniversityTsuJapan
| | - Ryusuke Matsumoto
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Division of Neuroscience, Graduate School of MedicineMie UniversityTsuJapan
| | - Eishi Motomura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Division of Neuroscience, Graduate School of MedicineMie UniversityTsuJapan
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16
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Gordon M, Jayakumar N, Atzema C, Korczak DJ, Kennedy S, Schaffer A, Goldstein B, Orser BA, Yee D, Fiksenbaum L, Choi LHL, Phillips A, McFarlan A, Kreller M, Freedman C, Tanenbaum B, McDowall D, Ceniti A, Sinyor M. Self-harm presentations to hospital trauma centre emergency departments during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychiatry Res 2024; 336:115892. [PMID: 38642422 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic raised concerns regarding increased suicide-related behaviours. We compared characteristics and counts of Emergency Department (ED) presentations for self-harm, an important suicide-related outcome, during versus prior to the pandemic's first year. We included patients presenting with self-harm to the ED of two trauma centres in Toronto, Canada. Time series models compared intra-pandemic (March 2020-February 2021) presentation counts to predictions from pre-pandemic data. The self-harm proportion of ED presentations was compared between the intra-pandemic period and preceding three years. A retrospective chart review of eligible patients seen from March 2019-February 2021 compared pre- vs. intra-pandemic patient and injury characteristics. While monthly intra-pandemic self-harm counts were largely within expected ranges, the self-harm proportion of total presentations increased. Being widowed (OR=9.46; 95 %CI=1.10-81.08), employment/financial stressors (OR=1.65, 95 %CI=1.06-2.58), job loss (OR=3.83; 95 %CI=1.36-10.76), and chest-stabbing self-harm (OR=2.50; 95 %CI=1.16-5.39) were associated with intra-pandemic presentations. Intra-pandemic self-harm was also associated with Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission (OR=2.18, 95 %CI=1.41-3.38). In summary, while the number of self-harm presentations to these trauma centres did not increase during the early pandemic, their proportion was increased. The association of intra-pandemic self-harm with variables indicating medically severe injury, economic stressors, and being widowed may inform future suicide and self-harm prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Gordon
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto M4N 3M5, ON, Canada; Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. 1 King's College Circle, Toronto M5S 1A8, ON, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa. 451 Smyth Rd, Ottawa K1H 8M5, ON, Canada.
| | - Navitha Jayakumar
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto M4N 3M5, ON, Canada
| | - Clare Atzema
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto M4N 3M5, ON, Canada; Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. 1 King's College Circle, Toronto M5S 1A8, ON, Canada
| | - Daphne J Korczak
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. 1 King's College Circle, Toronto M5S 1A8, ON, Canada; The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto M5G 1X8, ON, Canada
| | - Sidney Kennedy
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. 1 King's College Circle, Toronto M5S 1A8, ON, Canada; St. Michael's Hospital. 36 Queen St E, Toronto M5B 1W8, ON, Canada
| | - Ayal Schaffer
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto M4N 3M5, ON, Canada; Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. 1 King's College Circle, Toronto M5S 1A8, ON, Canada
| | - Benjamin Goldstein
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. 1 King's College Circle, Toronto M5S 1A8, ON, Canada; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. 250 College St, Toronto M5T 1R8, ON, Canada
| | - Beverley A Orser
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto M4N 3M5, ON, Canada; Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. 1 King's College Circle, Toronto M5S 1A8, ON, Canada
| | - Doreen Yee
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto M4N 3M5, ON, Canada; Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. 1 King's College Circle, Toronto M5S 1A8, ON, Canada
| | - Lisa Fiksenbaum
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto M4N 3M5, ON, Canada; Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. 1 King's College Circle, Toronto M5S 1A8, ON, Canada; York University. 4700 Keele St, Toronto M3J 1P3, ON, Canada
| | - Liz Hanbyul Lee Choi
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto M4N 3M5, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea Phillips
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto M4N 3M5, ON, Canada
| | - Amanda McFarlan
- St. Michael's Hospital. 36 Queen St E, Toronto M5B 1W8, ON, Canada
| | - Margaret Kreller
- The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto M5G 1X8, ON, Canada
| | - Corey Freedman
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto M4N 3M5, ON, Canada
| | - Brandy Tanenbaum
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto M4N 3M5, ON, Canada
| | - Dorothy McDowall
- The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto M5G 1X8, ON, Canada
| | - Amanda Ceniti
- St. Michael's Hospital. 36 Queen St E, Toronto M5B 1W8, ON, Canada
| | - Mark Sinyor
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto M4N 3M5, ON, Canada; Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. 1 King's College Circle, Toronto M5S 1A8, ON, Canada
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17
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Hawton K, Pirkis J. Suicide prevention: reflections on progress over the past decade. Lancet Psychiatry 2024; 11:472-480. [PMID: 38754457 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(24)00105-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Interest in preventing suicides has increased greatly in recent years. In this Personal View, we consider the general global developments related to suicide prevention that have occurred in the decade since The Lancet Psychiatry was first published in 2014. We then review specific advances during this period, first, in relation to public health initiatives, and second, with regard to clinical developments. Finally, we examine some of the challenges that currently confront individuals and organisations responsible for designing and implementing suicide prevention measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Hawton
- Centre for Suicide Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Jane Pirkis
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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18
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Blum Y, Akhavan S, Rogers ML, Astudillo-García CI, Çinka E, Kantas Yilmaz F, Peper-Nascimento J, Streb J, Chistopolskaya K, Cohen LJ, Dudeck M, Lutz M, Lee MB, Husain MI, Kuśmirek O, Valvassori SS, You S, Menon V, Galynker I, Barzilay S. The role of interpersonal stressors and connectedness in acute suicide risk and the suicide crisis syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Affect Disord 2024; 354:19-25. [PMID: 38423366 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.02.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global COVID-19 pandemic rapidly and drastically impacted everyday life and relationships. Fear of contracting and spreading the virus brought governments and individuals to adopt strict social distancing measures. These changes have had a significant negative impact on mental health, including a suggested increase in suicidal behaviors. The present study examined the role of interpersonal stress and connectedness in suicidal ideation, deliberate self-harm, suicide attempts, and the suicide crisis syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS An international sample of 7837 adult participants was recruited across ten participating countries to complete an anonymous online battery of self-report questionnaires. Questionnaires assessed suicide-related outcomes, stressful life events (SLE), and connectedness. Multilevel regression analyses were used to examine the associations between SLE and connectedness on suicide-related outcomes within the past month. RESULTS Interpersonal SLEs and low connectedness were associated with an increased likelihood of suicide-related outcomes and increased severity of suicide crisis syndrome. Specifically, higher rates of SLEs and lower levels of connectedness were associated with more suicide-related outcomes. LIMITATIONS The use of a cross-sectional design and snowball sampling method may restrict the ability to establish causal relationships and limit the representativeness of the findings. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest elevated suicide-related outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic among individuals experiencing multiple interpersonal stressful life events and low connectedness with others. The circumstances of social life during the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the urgency of implementing preventive programs aimed at mitigating potential suicide risks that may arise in the aftermath of public stress situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yarden Blum
- Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel; Department of Psychology, College of Management, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | | | - Megan L Rogers
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, TX, USA
| | | | - Elif Çinka
- University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Jefté Peper-Nascimento
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Judith Streb
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Lisa J Cohen
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, USA
| | - Manuela Dudeck
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Maximilian Lutz
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Muhammad I Husain
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Oskar Kuśmirek
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Samira S Valvassori
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Sungeun You
- Department of Psychology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, South Korea
| | - Vikas Menon
- Department of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | | | - Shira Barzilay
- Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
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19
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Bock JE, Daruwala SE, Tucker RP, Foster SD, Bandel SL, Gunn JF, Anestis MD. Honor Endorsement and Increased Firearm Purchasing Behavior and Intentions During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Psychol Rep 2024:332941241255323. [PMID: 38802302 DOI: 10.1177/00332941241255323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The surge in firearm sales from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic have been linked to increases in firearm violence, which is of public concern given that having firearms in one's home is associated with increased risk for domestic violence and suicide. Consistent with pre-pandemic trends, individuals tended to purchase firearms for self-protection during COVID-19. Prior work indicates that protective firearm ownership is motivated not only by perceptions that the world (and one's local environment) is dangerous, but also by one's endorsement of masculinity norms found in U.S. cultures of honor (primarily southern and western states). Honor-based masculinity norms emphasis reputation defense, toughness, and an absolute intolerance of disrespect. The present research examined the relative motivating influences of various threat perceptions and masculine honor endorsement in predicting reasons for non-COVID-19 firearm ownership, firearm purchasing during COVID-19, and purchase intentions. Three separate samples (total N = 2483) of mostly White U.S. men completed online surveys during different months of the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants completed measures of their endorsement of masculine honor norms, factors associated with firearm purchasing (e.g., dangerous world beliefs, intolerance of uncertainty), and firearm purchasing behaviors. Results indicated that masculine honor endorsement was higher among (1) protective firearm owners compared to non-owners and non-protective owners, (2) firearm owners who purchased a firearm during COVID-19 compared to non-owners and non-purchasing owners, and (3) firearm owners with intentions to purchase firearms in the next year compared to those without intentions and undecided owners. Relative to other predictors (e.g., COVID-19 concerns, dangerous world beliefs), masculine honor endorsement was consistently the strongest predictor of these outcomes. Findings add to the literature by highlighting the strength of masculine honor endorsement in motivating (protective) firearm ownership. Implications for interpersonal violence and suicide are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarrod E Bock
- Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Samantha E Daruwala
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Raymond P Tucker
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | | | - Shelby L Bandel
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - John F Gunn
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- School of Public Health - Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Michael D Anestis
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Urban-Global Public Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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20
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Ma Y, Tiwade PB, VanKeulen-Miller R, Narasipura EA, Fenton OS. Polyphenolic Nanoparticle Platforms (PARCELs) for In Vitro and In Vivo mRNA Delivery. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:6092-6101. [PMID: 38728297 PMCID: PMC11218425 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c01235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Despite their successful implementation in the COVID-19 vaccines, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) still face a central limitation in the delivery of mRNA payloads: endosomal trapping. Improving upon this inefficiency could afford improved drug delivery systems, paving the way toward safer and more effective mRNA-based medicines. Here, we present polyphenolic nanoparticle platforms (PARCELs) as effective mRNA delivery systems. In brief, our investigation begins with a computationally guided structural analysis of 1825 discrete polyphenolic structural data points across 73 diverse small molecule polyphenols and 25 molecular parameters. We then generate structurally diverse PARCELs, evaluating their in vitro mechanism and activity, ultimately highlighting the superior endosomal escape properties of PARCELs relative to analogous LNPs. Finally, we examine the in vivo biodistribution, protein expression, and therapeutic efficacy of PARCELs in mice. In undertaking this approach, the goal of this study is to establish PARCELs as viable delivery platforms for safe and effective mRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutian Ma
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Palas Balakdas Tiwade
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Rachel VanKeulen-Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Eshan Amruth Narasipura
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Owen Shea Fenton
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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21
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Stockner M, Plattner B, Innamorati M, Hofer A, Burian I, Fronthaler M, Giupponi G, Huber M, Macina C, Perwanger V, Pycha R, Schaller G, Conca A. How Mental Health and Suicidality Changed during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study in the General and Psychiatric Population Illustrating Risk and Protective Factors. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:386. [PMID: 38785877 PMCID: PMC11117826 DOI: 10.3390/bs14050386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in psychological distress in the general population, but contrasting results have been shown regarding its impact on psychological symptoms in clinical and non-clinical samples. Consequently, the aim of the present study was to compare in a longitudinal design (September-November 2020 and February-April 2021) the mental health outcomes of a clinical and a control sample and to determine the implications of various risk and protective factors in this regard. A total of 234 participants from the general population and 80 psychiatric patients took part in the present online study using the following measurements: the Brief Symptom Checklist (BSCL); Three-Item Loneliness Scale (TILS); Resilience Scale-13 (RS-13); and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being Scale-Non-Illness (FACIT-Sp Non-Illness). The results show an overall decrease in active suicidal ideation as well as "peace", a subscale of spiritual well-being, as well as increases in passive suicidal activation in the clinical sample, which did not change in the control sample. Psychological symptoms did not significantly change in either group. Significant group effects show an increase in resilience in the clinical sample. Resilience and peace turned out to be protective factors for negative mental health outcomes. However, loneliness, which interestingly increased only in the control sample, was shown to be an overall potential risk factor. Our results highlight the complex implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health outcomes of different groups in the population, demonstrating the necessity of further research, specifically regarding the risk of active and passive suicidal activation. Highlighted protective factors are discussed in regards to spirituality (i.e., peace), which is not strictly related to religion but rather personal spirituality related to the meaning of situations of one's life, as well as in terms of mental health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Stockner
- Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Barbara Plattner
- Department of Psychiatry, Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, General Hospital of Bolzano, 39100 Bolzano, Italy; (B.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Marco Innamorati
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Alex Hofer
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Division of Psychiatry I, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Iuliia Burian
- Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital of Merano, Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, 39012 Merano, Italy
| | - Martin Fronthaler
- Therapy Center Bad Bachgart, Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, 39037 Rodengo, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Giupponi
- Department of Psychiatry, Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, General Hospital of Bolzano, 39100 Bolzano, Italy; (B.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Markus Huber
- Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital of Brunico, Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, 39031 Brunico, Italy
| | - Christian Macina
- Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital of Brunico, Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, 39031 Brunico, Italy
| | - Verena Perwanger
- Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital of Merano, Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, 39012 Merano, Italy
| | - Roger Pycha
- Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital of Bressanone, Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, 39042 Bressanone, Italy
| | - Gerd Schaller
- Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital of Bressanone, Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, 39042 Bressanone, Italy
| | - Andreas Conca
- Department of Psychiatry, Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, General Hospital of Bolzano, 39100 Bolzano, Italy; (B.P.); (A.C.)
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22
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Serrano-Gimeno V, Diestre A, Agustin-Alcain M, Portella MJ, de Diego-Adeliño J, Tiana T, Cheddi N, Distefano A, Dominguez G, Arias M, Cardoner V, Puigdemont D, Perez V, Cardoner N. Non-fatal suicide behaviours across phases in the COVID-19 pandemic: a population-based study in a Catalan cohort. Lancet Psychiatry 2024; 11:348-358. [PMID: 38631785 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(24)00065-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has been extensively discussed in the context of its effect on mental health. Although global suicide rates have remained stable during the pandemic, the specific effect on non-fatal suicide behaviours during and after the pandemic remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate patterns of non-fatal suicide behaviours before, during, and after the pandemic. METHODS In this cohort study, we used data from all hospitals in Catalonia, Spain, collected through the Catalan Suicide Risk Code, which is a specifically designed suicide attempt surveillance protocol, involving a face-to-face, in-depth psychiatric evaluation, after a Catalan resident presents any suicide risk behaviour in any public health-care setting. This evaluation centralises data from suicide registries across the territory. We included non-fatal suicide behaviours, meaning suicidal ideation or attempts that did not result in death, and excluded self-harm behaviours not judged to be linked with suicidal ideation. We considered three periods: the pre-confinement period (Jan 1, 2018, to the enforcement of the lockdown in Spain on March 14, 2020); the confinement period (March 14, 2020, to the end of lockdown on June 21, 2020); and the post-confinement period (June 21, 2020, to Dec 31, 2022). We used Bayesian structural time series models to assess the effect of pandemic phases on non-fatal suicide behaviours, and we ran stratified analyses by sex and age to identify distinct patterns among demographic cohorts. FINDINGS We obtained 26 482 records from Jan 1, 2018, to Dec 31, 2022. The mean age was 37·94 years (SD 18·07), and the sample included 17 584 (66·4%) women and 8898 (33·6%) men. Data on ethnicity were not collected. Temporal trends showed a mild increase in non-fatal suicide behaviours from Jan 1, 2018, to March 13, 2020; a reduction during the confinement period; and a subsequent rise after confinement. Bayesian models suggested a significant causal effect of lockdown easing, resulting in a 50·77% increase in non-fatal suicide behaviours (95% credible interval [CrI] 26·62-76·58; p<0·0001). Stratified analyses indicated that the easing of lockdown resulted in a significant increase in non-fatal suicide behaviours among women (25·92%; 6·71-44·72; p=0·011) and among individuals aged 18 years and younger (72·75%; 38·81-108·11; p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION This study provides a comprehensive examination of non-fatal suicide behaviours in Catalonia, Spain, emphasising the dynamics of different COVID-19 pandemic phases. The initial reduction during strict lockdown aligns with Joiner's Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, whereas the post-confinement rise reflects complex factors, including social isolation and economic challenges. Sex-specific and age-specific analyses underscore distinct vulnerabilities, emphasising the need for targeted preventive strategies. FUNDING Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental annual budget of G21, Agència de Gestió d'Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca of the Generalitat de Catalunya. TRANSLATIONS For the Catalan and Spanish translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Serrano-Gimeno
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Sant Pau Mental Health Research Group, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba Diestre
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Sant Pau Mental Health Research Group, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Maria J Portella
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Sant Pau Mental Health Research Group, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Javier de Diego-Adeliño
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Sant Pau Mental Health Research Group, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Thaïs Tiana
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Sant Pau Mental Health Research Group, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nora Cheddi
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Sant Pau Mental Health Research Group, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandro Distefano
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Sant Pau Mental Health Research Group, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guillermo Dominguez
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Sant Pau Mental Health Research Group, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Dolors Puigdemont
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Sant Pau Mental Health Research Group, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victor Perez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addiccions, Parc de Salut Mar, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Narcís Cardoner
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Sant Pau Mental Health Research Group, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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23
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Wang SS, Eapen V, Lin PI. The relationship between mental health reforms and general population suicide rates in Australia over the past three and a half decades: 1987-2021. Psychiatry Res 2024; 335:115884. [PMID: 38569443 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Nearly 3,000 Australians tragically end their lives by suicide each year, underscoring a major national public health challenge with substantial socio-economic ramifications. Australia's National Mental Health Plans (NMHPs) aim to improve mental health and reduce suicide rates. This study investigates their effectiveness by analyzing how age-standardized suicide rates across Australian jurisdictions have fluctuated alongside the implementation of five NMHPs from 1987 to 2021. Findings reveal mixed impacts, with some plans linked to decreases and others associated with increases in suicide rates across different periods and regions. Notably, the recent decline in 2020 requires careful consideration amidst COVID-19 pandemic influences. These insights not only provide valuable evidence for shaping future mental health policies and initiatives but also for future health services research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Academic Unit of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, Australia
| | - Ping-I Lin
- School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia; School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia.
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24
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Kursner S, Studer J, Fracasso T, Weber G, Michaud L. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Unassisted Suicide and Assisted Suicide Rates in French-Speaking Switzerland: Differences by Gender. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2024:302228241248683. [PMID: 38652705 DOI: 10.1177/00302228241248683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Aims: Most studies on the impact of COVID-19 have shown a decrease or no change in unassisted suicide rates, but effects on assisted suicide have not been studied. We aimed to estimate the association between the COVID-19 pandemic and both types of suicide. Methods: Between 2017 and 2021, 1280 assisted suicides and 535 unassisted suicides were recorded in three Swiss cantons. We conducted descriptive and time series analyses on monthly suicide rates, categorized by gender. Results: Among women, a decrease in assisted suicide rates was found during the acute phases of the pandemic. Among men, assisted suicide rates increased gradually from the onset of the pandemic. Regarding unassisted suicide rates, no significant change was observed in women, while in men, there was a decrease, which was larger at the end than at the onset. Conclusions: COVID-19 had contrasting effects on assisted and unassisted men and women suicide rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kursner
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joseph Studer
- Addiction Medicine and North-West Adult Psychiatry Service, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tony Fracasso
- University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gerrit Weber
- North-West Adult Psychiatry Service, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Michaud
- Liaison Psychiatry Service, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospitaland University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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25
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Matsumoto R, Motomura E, Okada M. Temporal Fluctuations of Suicide Mortality in Japan from 2009 to 2023 Using Government Databases. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2024; 14:1086-1100. [PMID: 38667826 PMCID: PMC11048886 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe14040071] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In Japan, suicide mortalities consistently decreased before the COVID-19 pandemic (from 2009 to 2019) but, conversely, increased after the pandemic outbreak from 2020 to 2022. To provide up-to-date suicide statistics in Japan, this study determined the temporal fluctuations of standardized suicide mortalities (SMRs), disaggregated by sex and age, by joinpoint regression analysis using the government suicide database, named the "Basic Data on Suicide in Region". From January 2009 to December 2023, three temporal fluctuation patterns of SMRs pertaining to working age and older adults were detected, such as attenuations of decreasing trends before the COVID-19 pandemic (from around the mid-2010s), a sharply increasing trend that coincided with the pandemic outbreak, and gradually decreased during the pandemic, but no changes at the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, the SMRs of working-age females sharply increased concurrently with the pandemic outbreak, whereas those of males did not change. However, before the pandemic, decreasing trends of the SMRs of working-age males diminished in the mid-2010s, but those of females consistently decreased. The SMRs of working-age males indicated non-significant but sharply increasing trends in early 2022, a trend that was not observed for females. In contrast to working-age adults, the SMRs of adolescents already began to increase in the mid-2010s and also indicated consistently increasing trends between the periods during and after the pandemic. These results suggest, contrary to our expectations, that the impacts of both the outbreak and end of the COVID-19 pandemic were limited regarding the increase in SMRs from 2020. Therefore, when revising suicide prevention programs in the post-COVID-19 era, it should be noted that focusing on pandemic-associated factors alone is not sufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Motohiro Okada
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Division of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (R.M.); (E.M.)
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26
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Zinchuk M, Kustov G, Beghi M, Bryzgalova Y, Sviatskaia E, Popova S, Voinova N, Terentieva M, Yakovlev A, Guekht A. Suicide risk in patients with a current depressive episode during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1343323. [PMID: 38726385 PMCID: PMC11079814 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1343323] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data on suicidality in these patients during the pandemic period remain scarce. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and variables associated with serious suicide risk in Russian inpatients with MDD during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional cohort study with consecutive sampling was conducted from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. All patients completed the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) (including the suicidality module), the Beck Depression Inventory, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and underwent a semi-structured interview to collect relevant demographic and clinical data. Effect sizes for all independent variables and covariates were calculated using partial eta-squared (ηp2). Results Of the 6757 patients with non-psychotic mental disorders assessed, 1605 (23.7%) had MDD confirmed by the M.I.N.I., of whom 17.8% were at serious risk for suicide according to the M.I.N.I. suicidality module. Factors independently associated with serious suicide risk in Russian inpatients with MDD during the pandemic were younger age (ηp2 = 0.021), greater severity of depression (0.038), higher state anxiety (0.003), and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) (0.066). The same variables, except for state anxiety, were independently associated with suicide risk in the subgroup of MDD patients previously infected with SARS-CoV2. Conclusion In the COVID-19 pandemic, the proportion of patients with MDD at serious risk of suicide was similar to pre-pandemic data. No associations were found between suicidality in patients with MDD and COVID-related factors. Younger age, greater severity of depression, and especially NSSI were the most significant risk factors for suicide in patients with MDD during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Zinchuk
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| | - Georgii Kustov
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| | - Massimiliano Beghi
- Department of Mental Health, azienda unità sanitaria locale (AUSL) Romagna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Yulia Bryzgalova
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Sofya Popova
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nadezhda Voinova
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina Terentieva
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander Yakovlev
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alla Guekht
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Medical Genetics, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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27
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Matsumoto R, Motomura E, Okada M. Impacts of Working Hours, Wages, and Regular Employment Opportunity on Suicide Mortalities of Employed and Unemployed Individuals before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:499. [PMID: 38673410 PMCID: PMC11050676 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21040499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Standardized suicide mortality rates per 100,000 population (SMRs) in Japan consistently decreased from 2009-2019, but these decreasing trends were reversed to increase in 2020. To clarify the mechanisms of recent increasing suicide in Japan, temporal fluctuations of SMRs disaggregated by sex and employment status (employed and unemployed individuals) and labor indices such as working hours, wages, and regular employment opportunity index (REO) from January 2012 to June 2023 were analyzed using interrupted time-series analysis. Additionally, temporal causalities from labor indices to SMRs were analyzed using vector autoregressive and non-linear auto-regressive distributed lag analyses. Decreasing trends among employed SMRs of both sexes were attenuated after the enactment of the "Work Style Reform Program" in 2018, but male SMRs were unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, female employed SMRs sharply increased, synchronized with the "Work Style Reform Act" and the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak (the COVID-19 impact was greater than the "Work Style Reform Act"). Additionally, unemployed SMRs of both sexes sharply increased with the revision and scale-down of countermeasures against economic deterioration caused by COVID-19 ("revision of economic supportive countermeasures against economic deterioration caused by COVID-19"). Unexpectedly, after enacting the "Work Style Reform Act", wages decreased due to possibly decreasing working hours. Increasing REO, which consistently increased, was a protective factor for male suicides, but unemployed SMRs were not affected by any labor indices. It has been established that controlling a heavy workload plays an important role in suppressing the deterioration of physical and mental conditions, including suicide; however, this study suggested that, at least within appropriate ranges of working hours, decreasing working hours due to excessive management probably contributes to increasing suicides of some vulnerable individuals via de-creasing their wages. Although governmental welfare and economic support measures had to be revised according to rapidly changing situations during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study also suggested that temporal gaps among a part of revisions of several welfare and economic support measures were unexpectedly involved in drastically/sharply increasing suicides of unemployed individuals in 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Motohiro Okada
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Division of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (R.M.); (E.M.)
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Cohen LJ, Liang Y, Peterkin D, McGibbon K, Rappa F, Rogers ML, You S, Chistopolskaya K, Enikolopov S, Barzilay S, Menon V, Husain MI, Dudeck M, Streb J, Çinka E, Yilmaz FK, Kuśmirek O, Valvassori SS, Blum Y, Galynker I. Relationship Between Severity and Length of Exposure to COVID-19 Parameters and Resulting Government Responses and the Suicide Crisis Syndrome (SCS). Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2024; 18:e68. [PMID: 38618875 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2023.235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic has had a globally devastating psychosocial impact. A detailed understanding of the mental health implications of this worldwide crisis is critical for successful mitigation of and preparation for future pandemics. Using a large international sample, we investigated in the present study the relationship between multiple COVID-19 parameters (both disease characteristics and government responses) and the incidence of the suicide crisis syndrome (SCS), an acute negative affect state associated with near-term suicidal behavior. METHODS Data were collected from 5528 adults across 10 different countries in an anonymous web-based survey between June 2020 and January 2021. RESULTS Individuals scoring above the SCS cut-off lived in countries with higher peak daily cases and deaths during the first wave of the pandemic. Additionally, the longer participants had been exposed to markers of pandemic severity (eg, lockdowns), the more likely they were to screen positive for the SCS. Findings reflected both country-to-country comparisons and individual variation within the pooled sample. CONCLUSION Both the pandemic itself and the government interventions utilized to contain the spread appear to be associated with suicide risk. Public policy should include efforts to mitigate the mental health impact of current and future global disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa J Cohen
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, USA
| | - Yinan Liang
- Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, GA, USA
| | - Devon Peterkin
- Teachers College, Department of Psychology, Columbia University, NY, USA
| | - Kamryn McGibbon
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, USA
| | - Frank Rappa
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, NY, USA
| | - Megan L Rogers
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, TX, USA
| | - Sungeun You
- Department of Psychology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Ksenia Chistopolskaya
- Eramishantsev Moscow, Department of Psychiatry, City Clinical Hospital, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Shira Barzilay
- Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Vikas Menon
- Department of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - M Ishrat Husain
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Manuela Dudeck
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Judith Streb
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Elif Çinka
- Department of Health Management, University of Health Sciences, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatma Kantas Yilmaz
- Department of Health Management, University of Health Sciences, İstanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Samira S Valvassori
- Program of Health Sciences, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Laboratório de Psiquiatria Translacional, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Criciuma, Brazil
| | - Yarden Blum
- Department of Psychology, The College of Management Academic Studies, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Igor Galynker
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, USA
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Stas P, Hoorelbeke K, De Jaegere E, Pauwels K, Portzky G. Suicide risk, related factors and the impact of COVID-19 amongst suicide prevention helpline callers: A network analysis. J Affect Disord 2024; 351:372-380. [PMID: 38302063 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic brought along many known risk factors for suicide. It is important to map out contributing and protective factors for suicide risk and examine possible changes in these associations during pandemics such as COVID-19. The current study aimed to examine how information on risk and protective factors obtained through a suicide prevention helpline is linked to the assessed suicide risk and the possible impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Data on 9474 calls registered by operators of the suicide prevention helpline of Flanders (i.e., part of Belgium) were analysed using network analysis. Using network analyses allowed for a data-driven examination of direct and indirect pathways through which risk and protective factors are associated to perceived suicide risk. The network before and during COVID-19 were compared to examine the possible impact of the pandemic. RESULTS Our findings suggest that different vulnerability and protective factors contribute to perceived suicide risk. Experiencing a break-up, abuse, previous attempt(s), experienced difficulties with the healthcare system and availability of resources were directly and uniquely associated with perceived suicide risk before and during COVID-19. LIMITATIONS Main limitations of this study are the possible bias of operator assessment accuracy, absence of several important psychological risk factors and the use of cross-sectional data. CONCLUSIONS The current study provides insight in the effect of COVID-19 on suicidality and its risk and protective factors amongst suicide prevention helpline users, a population with high risk of suicide. Implications for suicide prevention helplines are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Stas
- Flemish Centre of Expertise in Suicide Prevention, Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Kristof Hoorelbeke
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eva De Jaegere
- Flemish Centre of Expertise in Suicide Prevention, Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kirsten Pauwels
- Flemish Centre of Expertise in Suicide Prevention, Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Suicide Prevention Centre, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gwendolyn Portzky
- Flemish Centre of Expertise in Suicide Prevention, Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Setiyawati D, Puspakesuma N, Jatmika WN, Colucci E. Indonesian Stakeholders' Perspectives on Warning Signs and Beliefs about Suicide. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:295. [PMID: 38667091 PMCID: PMC11047336 DOI: 10.3390/bs14040295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The suicide rate in Indonesia is considered low among Asian countries, but the underreporting rate is at a staggering 303%, and the latest reports suggest an increase in suicidal behaviour, particularly among young people. As a multicultural country, Indonesia has a complex system of beliefs about suicide. Thus, various aspects specific to Indonesia must be considered in understanding and preventing suicide. This paper explores Indonesian stakeholders' perspectives through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. A total of 9 participants were individually interviewed, and 42 were involved in focus group discussions. They were mainly people with lived experiences of suicide. The other stakeholders were Indonesian experts who have experience in dealing with suicidal behaviour, helping people with a lived experience of suicide, or were involved in suicide prevention. Indonesian stakeholders highlighted various general and contextualised aspects concerning suicide. These aspects included a wide range of cultural beliefs and culturally specific warning signs, which included "bingung" (confusion) and longing for deceased persons. Other cultural beliefs such as viewing suicide as infectious, unpreventable, and guided by ancient spirits, and as an honourable act in some circumstances, also emerged. These findings can inform suicide prevention programs, including suicide prevention guidelines for Indonesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Setiyawati
- Center for Public Mental Health, Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia;
| | - Nabila Puspakesuma
- Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia;
| | - Wulan Nur Jatmika
- Center for Public Mental Health, Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia;
| | - Erminia Colucci
- Department of Psychology, School of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, London NW4 4BT, UK;
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Sakamoto H, Koda M, Eguchi A, Endo K, Arai T, Harada N, Nishio T, Nomura S. Excess suicides in Japan: A three-year post-pandemic assessment of gender and age disparities. Psychiatry Res 2024; 334:115806. [PMID: 38428289 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
This study offers an in-depth analysis of Japan's suicide trends three years after the COVID-19 outbreak. Using data from the National Police Agency (January 2010-May 2023), we examined suicide rates across genders and age groups. Employing the quasi-Poisson regression, we predicted monthly death counts. Findings indicate a steady rise in female suicides from April 2020 to January 2023. Notably, male cohorts aged 50-59 and over 80 in 2022 displayed heightened death rates. While these trends may reflect the impacts of the pandemic, it is essential to consider other factors, including socio-economic changes, to fully understand the context of Japan's suicide patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruka Sakamoto
- Japan Suicide Countermeasures Promotion Center, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan; Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, Tokyo, Japan; Health and Global Policy Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahide Koda
- Co-Learning Community Healthcare Re-Innovation Office, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Akifumi Eguchi
- Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kaori Endo
- Japan Suicide Countermeasures Promotion Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Arai
- Japan Suicide Countermeasures Promotion Center, Tokyo, Japan; Graduate School of Health Management, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Nahoko Harada
- Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takashi Nishio
- Japan Suicide Countermeasures Promotion Center, Tokyo, Japan; International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuhei Nomura
- Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Global Health Policy, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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Lee SC, DelPozo-Banos M, Friedmann Y, Akbari A, Lyons RA, John A. Widening Excess Mortality During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Individuals Who Self-Harmed. CRISIS 2024; 45:154-158. [PMID: 36226352 PMCID: PMC10999850 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Background: Studies on COVID-19 pandemic-associated changes in mortality following self-harm remain scarce and inconclusive. Aims: To compare mortality risks in individuals who had self-harmed to those for individuals who had not, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (Waves 1 and 2) in Wales, the United Kingdom, using population-based routinely collected data. Method: We linked whole population health data to all-cause mortality following an episode of self-harm between April 2016 and March 2021. Propensity score matching, Cox regression, and difference-in-differences were applied to compute changes in excess mortality (as ratios of hazard ratios, RHRs) before and during the pandemic for individuals who self-harmed. Results: The difference in mortality for individuals who self-harmed compared to those who did not widened during Wave 1 (RHR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.04-4.03) and Wave 2 (RHR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.12-4.29) from before the pandemic. Stratification by sex and age group produced no significant subgroup differences although risk for younger than 65 years group were higher. Limitations: Limitations include small sample size and incomplete data on cause-specific deaths during the pandemic. Conclusion: Our results underscore continuous monitoring of mortality of individuals who self-harm and effective interventions to address any increases in mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze Chim Lee
- Population Data Science, Swansea
University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Yasmin Friedmann
- Population Data Science, Swansea
University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | - Ashley Akbari
- Population Data Science, Swansea
University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | - Ronan A. Lyons
- Population Data Science, Swansea
University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | - Ann John
- Population Data Science, Swansea
University Medical School, Swansea, UK
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33
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Jones PM, Sweeny A, Branjerdporn G, Keijzers G, Marshall AP, Huang YL, Hall EJ, Ranse J, Palipana D, Teng YD, Crilly J. The impact of COVID-19 on emergency department presentations for mental health disorders in Queensland, Australia: A time series analysis. Asia Pac Psychiatry 2024; 16:e12553. [PMID: 38467558 DOI: 10.1111/appy.12553] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with detrimental effects on mental health and psychological well-being. Although multiple studies have shown decreases in mental health-related Emergency Department (ED) presentations early in the COVID-19 pandemic, the medium-term effects on mental health-related ED presentations have remained less clear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the pandemic on mental health ED presentations by comparing observed presentation numbers to predictions from pre-pandemic data. METHODS This retrospective cohort study tallied weekly ED presentations associated with mental health disorders from a state-wide minimum dataset. Three time periods were identified: Pre-Pandemic (January 1, 2018-March 8, 2020), Statewide Lockdown (March 9, 2020-June 28, 2020), and Restrictions Easing (June 29, 2020-June 27, 2021). Time series analysis was used to generate weekly presentation forecasts using pre-pandemic data. Observed presentation numbers were compared to these forecasts. RESULTS Weekly presentation numbers were lower than predicted in 11 out of 16 weeks in the Statewide Lockdown period and 52 out of 52 weeks in the Restrictions Easing period. The largest decrease was seen for anxiety disorders (Statewide Lockdown: 76.8% of forecast; Restrictions Easing: 36.4% of forecast), while an increase was seen in presentations for eating disorders (Statewide Lockdown: 139.5% of forecast; Restrictions Easing: 194.4% of forecast). CONCLUSIONS Overall weekly mental health-related presentations across Queensland public EDs were lower than expected for the first 16 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings underline the limitations of emergency department provision of mental health care and the importance of alternate care modalities in the pandemic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip M Jones
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Amy Sweeny
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Grace Branjerdporn
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Mental Health and Specialist Services, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gerben Keijzers
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrea P Marshall
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Intensive Care Unit, Gold Coast Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ya-Ling Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Health (Nursing), Southern Cross University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Emma J Hall
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jamie Ranse
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dinesh Palipana
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yang D Teng
- Departments of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julia Crilly
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Mental Health, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Bey R, Cohen A, Trebossen V, Dura B, Geoffroy PA, Jean C, Landman B, Petit-Jean T, Chatellier G, Sallah K, Tannier X, Bourmaud A, Delorme R. Natural language processing of multi-hospital electronic health records for public health surveillance of suicidality. NPJ MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 3:6. [PMID: 38609541 PMCID: PMC10955903 DOI: 10.1038/s44184-023-00046-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to monitor the mental health of large populations, especially during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, to timely identify the most at-risk subgroups and to design targeted prevention campaigns. We therefore developed and validated surveillance indicators related to suicidality: the monthly number of hospitalisations caused by suicide attempts and the prevalence among them of five known risks factors. They were automatically computed analysing the electronic health records of fifteen university hospitals of the Paris area, France, using natural language processing algorithms based on artificial intelligence. We evaluated the relevance of these indicators conducting a retrospective cohort study. Considering 2,911,920 records contained in a common data warehouse, we tested for changes after the pandemic outbreak in the slope of the monthly number of suicide attempts by conducting an interrupted time-series analysis. We segmented the assessment time in two sub-periods: before (August 1, 2017, to February 29, 2020) and during (March 1, 2020, to June 31, 2022) the COVID-19 pandemic. We detected 14,023 hospitalisations caused by suicide attempts. Their monthly number accelerated after the COVID-19 outbreak with an estimated trend variation reaching 3.7 (95%CI 2.1-5.3), mainly driven by an increase among girls aged 8-17 (trend variation 1.8, 95%CI 1.2-2.5). After the pandemic outbreak, acts of domestic, physical and sexual violence were more often reported (prevalence ratios: 1.3, 95%CI 1.16-1.48; 1.3, 95%CI 1.10-1.64 and 1.7, 95%CI 1.48-1.98), fewer patients died (p = 0.007) and stays were shorter (p < 0.001). Our study demonstrates that textual clinical data collected in multiple hospitals can be jointly analysed to compute timely indicators describing mental health conditions of populations. Our findings also highlight the need to better take into account the violence imposed on women, especially at early ages and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Bey
- Innovation and Data unit, IT Department, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Ariel Cohen
- Innovation and Data unit, IT Department, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.
| | - Vincent Trebossen
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré University Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Basile Dura
- Innovation and Data unit, IT Department, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Pierre-Alexis Geoffroy
- Département de psychiatrie et d'addictologie, GHU Paris Nord, DMU neurosciences, Bichat - Claude Bernard Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75018, Paris, France
- GHU Paris - psychiatry & neurosciences, 1, rue Cabanis, 75014, Paris, France
- NeuroDiderot, Inserm, FHU I2-D2, université Paris Cité, 75019, Paris, France
- CNRS UPR 3212, Institute for cellular and integrative neurosciences, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Charline Jean
- Innovation and Data unit, IT Department, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Université Paris-Est Créteil, INSERM, IMRB U955, Créteil, France
- Service Santé Publique & URC, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France
| | - Benjamin Landman
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré University Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Petit-Jean
- Innovation and Data unit, IT Department, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Gilles Chatellier
- Innovation and Data unit, IT Department, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Kankoe Sallah
- URC PNVS, CIC-EC 1425, INSERM, Bichat - Claude Bernard Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Xavier Tannier
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratoire d'Informatique Médicale et d'Ingénierie des Connaissances pour la e-Santé (LIMICS), Paris, France
| | - Aurelie Bourmaud
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Robert Debré University Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- CIC 1426, Inserm, Paris, France
| | - Richard Delorme
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré University Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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Poštuvan V, Krohne N, Lavrič M, Gomboc V, De Leo D, Rojs L. A Lonelier World after COVID-19: Longitudinal Population-Based Study of Well-Being, Emotional and Social Loneliness, and Suicidal Behaviour in Slovenia. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:312. [PMID: 38399599 PMCID: PMC10890292 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60020312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) goes beyond the consequences of the infectious disease, especially as the measures taken to prevent the spread of the virus have had a very profound impact on people's social relationships and everyday lives. Several studies have investigated these effects, but there is a lack of longitudinal studies in Central Europe. Objective: The aim of our study was to observe changes in well-being, loneliness, and suicidal behaviour before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic using the same population-based cohort. Materials and Methods: A representative sample of 440 participants completed online questionnaires at four time points: 2019 (wave 0), 2021 (wave 1), 2022 (wave 2), and 2023 (wave 3). Results: The results show significant changes in the levels of well-being and loneliness over these periods. In particular, both social and emotional loneliness increased during the pandemic, while emotional loneliness increased to a greater extent without further decreases. Well-being appeared to increase after pandemic-related restrictions diminished but decreased again one year later. No significant changes concerning suicidal ideation were observed. Conclusions: Our study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way in which people perceive their well-being and especially their relationships with others. From the data, we can conclude that people's worldview is now lonelier than before the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vita Poštuvan
- Slovene Centre for Suicide Research, Andrej Marušič Institute, University of Primorska, 6000 Koper, Slovenia; (N.K.); (M.L.); (V.G.); (D.D.L.); (L.R.)
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, 6000 Koper, Slovenia
| | - Nina Krohne
- Slovene Centre for Suicide Research, Andrej Marušič Institute, University of Primorska, 6000 Koper, Slovenia; (N.K.); (M.L.); (V.G.); (D.D.L.); (L.R.)
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, 6000 Koper, Slovenia
| | - Meta Lavrič
- Slovene Centre for Suicide Research, Andrej Marušič Institute, University of Primorska, 6000 Koper, Slovenia; (N.K.); (M.L.); (V.G.); (D.D.L.); (L.R.)
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, 6000 Koper, Slovenia
| | - Vanja Gomboc
- Slovene Centre for Suicide Research, Andrej Marušič Institute, University of Primorska, 6000 Koper, Slovenia; (N.K.); (M.L.); (V.G.); (D.D.L.); (L.R.)
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, 6000 Koper, Slovenia
| | - Diego De Leo
- Slovene Centre for Suicide Research, Andrej Marušič Institute, University of Primorska, 6000 Koper, Slovenia; (N.K.); (M.L.); (V.G.); (D.D.L.); (L.R.)
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, 6000 Koper, Slovenia
| | - Lucia Rojs
- Slovene Centre for Suicide Research, Andrej Marušič Institute, University of Primorska, 6000 Koper, Slovenia; (N.K.); (M.L.); (V.G.); (D.D.L.); (L.R.)
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, 6000 Koper, Slovenia
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Sánchez-Carro Y, de la Torre-Luque A, Díaz-Marsá M, Aguayo-Estremera R, Andreo-Jover J, Ayad-Ahmed W, Bobes J, Bobes-Bascarán T, Bravo-Ortiz MF, Canal-Rivero M, Cebrià AI, Crespo-Facorro B, Elices M, Fernández-Rodrigues V, Lopez-Peña P, Grande I, Palao-Tarrero Á, Pemau A, Roberto N, Ruiz-Veguilla M, Pérez-Solà V. Psychiatric profiles in suicidal attempters: Relationships with suicide behaviour features. SPANISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY AND MENTAL HEALTH 2024:S2950-2853(24)00011-5. [PMID: 38331321 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjpmh.2024.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide constitutes a major health concern worldwide, being a significant contributor of death, globally. The diagnosis of a mental disorder has been extensively linked to the varying forms of suicidal ideation and behaviour. The aim of our study was to identify the varying diagnostic profiles in a sample of suicide attempters. METHODS A sample of 683 adults (71.3% females, 40.10±15.74 years) admitted at a hospital emergency department due to a suicide attempt was recruited. Latent class analysis was used to identify diagnostic profiles and logistic regression to study the relationship between comorbidity profile membership and sociodemographic and clinical variables. RESULTS Two comorbidity profiles were identified (Class I: low comorbidity class, 71.3% of attempters; Class II: high comorbidity class, 28.7% of attempters). Class I members were featured by the diagnosis of depression and general anxiety disorder, and low comorbidity; by contrast, the high comorbidity profile was characterized by a higher probability of presenting two or more coexisting psychiatric disorders. Class II included more females, younger, with more depressive symptoms and with higher impulsivity levels. Moreover, Class II members showed more severe suicidal ideation, higher number of suicide behaviours and a greater number of previous suicide attempts (p<.01, for all the outcomes), compared to Class I members. CONCLUSIONS Psychiatric profiles may be considered for treatment provision and personalized psychiatric treatment in suicidal attempters as well as tackle suicide risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Sánchez-Carro
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; CIBERSAM ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Marina Díaz-Marsá
- CIBERSAM ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Jorge Andreo-Jover
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Teresa Bobes-Bascarán
- CIBERSAM ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; Universidad de Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, Spain; Instituto de Neurocias del Principado de Asturias, Spain
| | - María Fé Bravo-Ortiz
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology and Mental Health, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Canal-Rivero
- CIBERSAM ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; UGC-Salud Mental de Hospital Virgen del Rocío/IBIS Sevilla, Spain; Universidad de Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Benedicto Crespo-Facorro
- CIBERSAM ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; UGC-Salud Mental de Hospital Virgen del Rocío/IBIS Sevilla, Spain; Universidad de Sevilla, Spain
| | - Matilde Elices
- Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mediques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Purificacion Lopez-Peña
- CIBERSAM ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; Department Psychiatry, Hospital Universitario Alava, Bioaraba, UPV/EHU, Osakidetza, Spain
| | - Iría Grande
- CIBERSAM ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; Departament de Medicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain; Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospìtal Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences (UBNeuro), Spain
| | - Ángela Palao-Tarrero
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology and Mental Health, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrés Pemau
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Natalia Roberto
- CIBERSAM ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; Departament de Medicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain; Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospìtal Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences (UBNeuro), Spain
| | - Miguel Ruiz-Veguilla
- CIBERSAM ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; UGC-Salud Mental de Hospital Virgen del Rocío/IBIS Sevilla, Spain; Universidad de Sevilla, Spain
| | - Víctor Pérez-Solà
- CIBERSAM ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mediques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
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Reifels L, Krysinska K, Andriessen K. Suicide prevention during disasters and public health emergencies: a systematic review. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1338099. [PMID: 38379672 PMCID: PMC10876787 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1338099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Disasters and public health emergencies increasingly affect populations around the world, posing significant wide-ranging challenges for societies as well as for effective public health and suicide prevention. Intervention research is essential to inform evidence-based responses. Yet, despite evident public concern and growing research interest in heightened suicide risks and impacts, little is known about effective suicide prevention interventions in these contexts. We conducted a systematic review to examine the outcomes of suicide prevention strategies implemented in disasters and public health emergencies. Methods We searched five databases (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, PTSDpubs) from inception to December 2022 for peer-reviewed quantitative studies that reported relevant intervention outcomes (changes in the frequency of suicide, suicide attempts, self-harm) for populations affected by disasters and public health emergencies. We assessed the quality of eligible studies using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies, and distilled review findings through narrative synthesis. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021276195). Results Ten eligible and mostly observational studies were included in this review, which examined a range of universal, selective, and indicated interventions. Three of five studies of interventions in public health emergencies indicated the potential effectiveness and buffering effects of generic disaster related mental health support, access to urban parks, as well as the beneficial role of video-enabled tablets in facilitating treatment access and outcomes. Similarly, three of five studies of interventions in disaster contexts provided evidence of the beneficial role of universal economic security measures, national gun laws and buy back schemes, and volunteer-delivered mental health support. Overall, four of six studies with favorable outcomes examined interventions specifically deployed in disaster or public health emergency contexts, whereas two studies examined ongoing existing interventions. Three studies, respectively, of suicide prevention focused interventions or generic interventions reported favorable outcomes. The quality of included studies was variable, with two studies being rated as 'strong', four studies rated as 'moderate', and four studies rated as 'weak'. Conclusion Notwithstanding the limited scope and variable quality of published evidence, our review findings highlight the breadth of interventions that have been applied in such contexts with some success. There is a need for further research on effective interventions and intervention adaptations to inform evidence-based suicide prevention responses to disasters and public health emergencies. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021276195, PROSPERO ID CRD42021276195.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Reifels
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Norström T, Ramstedt M. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality in Sweden-Did it differ across socioeconomic groups? Eur J Epidemiol 2024; 39:137-145. [PMID: 38177570 PMCID: PMC10904510 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-023-01068-3] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The characterization of the socioeconomic profile of COVID-19 mortality is limited. Likewise, the mapping of potential indirect adverse outcomes of the pandemic, such as suicide and alcohol abuse, along socioeconomic lines is still meagre. The main aim of this paper is to (i) depict SES-differences in COVID-19 mortality, and (ii) to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide and alcohol mortality across socioeconomic groups. We used Swedish monthly data spanning the period January 2016-December 2021. We chose education as indicator of socioeconomic status (SES). The following causes of deaths were included in the analysis: COVID-19, all-cause mortality excluding COVID-19, suicide and a composite index of alcohol-specific deaths. SARIMA-modelling was used to assess the impact of the pandemic on suicide and alcohol-specific mortality. Two alternative measures of the pandemic were used: (1) a dummy that was coded 1 during the pandemic (March 2020 and onwards), and 0 otherwise, and (2) the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker's Stringency Index. There was a marked SES-gradient in COVID-19 mortality in the working-age population (25-64) which was larger than for other causes of death. A SES-gradient was also found in the old-age population, but this gradient did not differ from the gradient for other causes of death. The outcome from the SARIMA time-series analyses suggested that the pandemic did not have any impact on suicide or alcohol-specific mortality in any of the educational and gender groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thor Norström
- Swedish Institute for Social Research (SOFI), Stockholm University, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Mats Ramstedt
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
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Park T, Pierre-Louis J, Jean T, Barua P, Ilma TT, Pinanez MA, Ravenell J, Castor C, Gousse Y. COVID-19 knowledge and mental health impact assessment in Haiti. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2024; 11:e19. [PMID: 38414724 PMCID: PMC10897491 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2024.10] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Mental health is a significant public health challenge globally, and one anticipated to increase following the COVID-19 pandemic. In many rural regions of developing nations, little is known about the prevalence of mental health conditions and factors that may help mitigate poor outcomes. This study assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and social support for residents of rural Haiti. Data were collected from March to May 2020. The Patient Health Questionnaire subscales for anxiety and depression, and the Perceived Stress Scale were utilized in addition to tailored questions specific to COVID-19 knowledge. Half (51.8%) of the 500 survey respondents reported COVID-19-related anxiety and worrying either daily or across a few days. Half (50.2%) also reported experiencing depression daily or across several days. Most (70.4%) did not have any social support, and 28.0% experienced some stress, with 13.4% indicating high perceived stress. Furthermore, 4.6% had suitable plumbing systems in their homes. The results were immediately actionable, informing the implementation of a mental health counseling program for youth following a loss of social support through school closures. Long-term investments must be made as part of public health responses in rural communities in developing nations, which remain under-studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taehwan Park
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Public Health, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA
| | | | - Tachel Jean
- Biomedical Program, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Prachurjya Barua
- Biomedical Program, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Taheera T Ilma
- Biomedical Program, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Mariana A Pinanez
- Biomedical Program, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Joseph Ravenell
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chimene Castor
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Yolene Gousse
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Public Health, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA
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Costanza A, Amerio A, Aguglia A, Magnani L, Alexander J, Maiorano A, Richard-Lepouriel H, Portacolone E, Berardelli I, Pompili M, Serafini G, Amore M, Nguyen KD. A Prospective Multicenter Longitudinal Analysis of Suicidal Ideation among Long-COVID-19 Patients. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:290. [PMID: 38338174 PMCID: PMC10855095 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12030290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Long coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is an emerging multifaceted illness with the pathological hallmarks of chronic inflammation and neuropsychiatric symptoms. These pathologies have also been implicated in developing suicidal behaviors and suicidal ideation (SI). However, research addressing suicide risk in long COVID-19 is limited. In this prospective study, we aim to characterize SI development among long-COVID-19 patients and to determine the predictive power of inflammatory markers and long-COVID-19 symptoms-including those of psychiatric origin-for SI. During this prospective, longitudinal, multicenter study, healthy subjects and long-COVID-19 patients will be recruited from the University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland, the University of Genova, the University of Rome "La Sapienza", and the University of San Francisco. Study participants will undergo a series of clinic visits over a follow-up period of 1 year for SI assessment. Baseline and SI-onset levels of inflammatory mediators in plasma samples, along with 12 long-COVID-19 features (post-exertional malaise, fatigue, brain fog, dizziness, gastrointestinal disturbance, palpitations, changes in sexual desire/capacity, loss/change of smell/taste, thirst, chronic cough, chest pain, and abnormal movements) will be collected for SI risk analysis. The proposed enrollment period is from 15 January 2024 to 15 January 2026 with targeted recruitment of 100 participants for each study group. The anticipated findings of this study are expected to provide important insights into suicide risk among long-COVID-19 patients and determine whether inflammation and psychiatric comorbidities are involved in the development of SI in these subjects. This could pave the way to more effective evidence-based suicide prevention approaches to address this emerging public health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Costanza
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University (UNIGE), 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
- Department of Psychiatry, Adult Psychiatry Service, Geneva University Hospital (HUG), 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (J.A.); (A.M.); (G.S.); (M.A.)
| | - Andrea Amerio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.)
- IRCCS Polyclinic Hospital San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Aguglia
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.)
- IRCCS Polyclinic Hospital San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Magnani
- Department of Psychiatry, San Maurizio Hospital of Bolzano, 39100 Bolzano, Italy;
| | - Jacques Alexander
- Department of Psychiatry, Adult Psychiatry Service, Geneva University Hospital (HUG), 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (J.A.); (A.M.); (G.S.); (M.A.)
| | - Alessandra Maiorano
- Department of Psychiatry, Adult Psychiatry Service, Geneva University Hospital (HUG), 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (J.A.); (A.M.); (G.S.); (M.A.)
| | - Hélène Richard-Lepouriel
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University (UNIGE), 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
- Mood Disorder Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Specialties Service, Geneva University Hospital, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Elena Portacolone
- Institute for Health & Aging, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, CA 94158, USA;
| | - Isabella Berardelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Suicide Prevention Centre, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (I.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Suicide Prevention Centre, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (I.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Gianluca Serafini
- Department of Psychiatry, Adult Psychiatry Service, Geneva University Hospital (HUG), 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (J.A.); (A.M.); (G.S.); (M.A.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Mario Amore
- Department of Psychiatry, Adult Psychiatry Service, Geneva University Hospital (HUG), 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (J.A.); (A.M.); (G.S.); (M.A.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Khoa D. Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
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Bonanno GA, Chen S, Bagrodia R, Galatzer-Levy IR. Resilience and Disaster: Flexible Adaptation in the Face of Uncertain Threat. Annu Rev Psychol 2024; 75:573-599. [PMID: 37566760 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-psych-011123-024224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Disasters cause sweeping damage, hardship, and loss of life. In this article, we first consider the dominant psychological approach to disasters and its narrow focus on psychopathology (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder). We then review research on a broader approach that has identified heterogeneous, highly replicable trajectories of outcome, the most common being stable mental health or resilience. We review trajectory research for different types of disasters, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Next, we consider correlates of the resilience trajectory and note their paradoxically limited ability to predict future resilient outcomes. Research using machine learning algorithms improved prediction but has not yet illuminated the mechanism behind resilient adaptation. To that end, we propose a more direct psychological explanation for resilience based on research on the motivational and mechanistic components of regulatory flexibility. Finally, we consider how future research might leverage new computational approaches to better capture regulatory flexibility in real time.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Bonanno
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; , ,
| | - Shuquan Chen
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; , ,
| | - Rohini Bagrodia
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; , ,
| | - Isaac R Galatzer-Levy
- Department of Psychiatry, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA;
- Google LLC, Mountain View, California
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Mannix D, Holleran L, Cevikel P, McMorrow C, Nerney D, Phelan S, McDonald C, Hallahan B. A comparison of rate and methods of probable suicide for 2 years pre and post the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ir J Psychol Med 2024:1-6. [PMID: 38229585 DOI: 10.1017/ipm.2023.47] [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: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine and compare rates and methods of probable suicide in a Western region of Ireland during a 24 month period since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic compared with a similar period immediately prior to the pandemic onset. METHODS Post-mortem reports between March 1st 2018 and February 29th 2020 were reviewed and compared with data from March 1st 2020 to February 28th 2022. Relevant demographic data, rates and methods of probable suicide and lifetime engagement with mental health services were compared across the two time points. RESULTS Identical rates of probable suicide (85 individuals at both time points) were demonstrated with no difference evident in the utilisation of violent compared to non-violent methods. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that despite previous reports of increased rates of self-harm and some evidence of increased mental distress since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, no change in rates of or methods employed by individuals who died by probable suicide were evident in this geographical region.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Mannix
- Galway-Roscommon Mental Health Services, University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - L Holleran
- Galway-Roscommon Mental Health Services, University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - P Cevikel
- Galway-Roscommon Mental Health Services, University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - C McMorrow
- Department of Pathology, University College hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - D Nerney
- Department of Pathology, University College hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - S Phelan
- Department of Pathology, University College hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - C McDonald
- Galway-Roscommon Mental Health Services, University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - B Hallahan
- Galway-Roscommon Mental Health Services, University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
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Wang S, Zhang W, Liu Z, Zhang T, Wang Y, Li W. Efficacy and safety of zuranolone in the treatment of major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1332329. [PMID: 38292895 PMCID: PMC10824890 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1332329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to systematically review zuranolone's efficacy and safety in treating major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods We conducted electronic searches in databases like PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science to identify randomized controlled trials using zuranolone for severe depression from study inception to September 15, 2023. Two independent reviewers screened studies, extracted data, and assessed study quality. Our meta-analysis included four studies with 1,454 patients. The findings showed significant improvements with zuranolone across various measures: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) scores indicated notable alleviation in depressive symptoms (WMD: -2.03; 95% CI: -2.42 to -1.65); the treatment group's HAM-D score response rate was significantly higher than the control group's at day 15 (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.92, P = 0.01). The meta-analysis also revealed higher remission rates for the treatment group compared to the control group at day 15 (OR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.18 to 2.39, P = 0.03). Additionally, HAM-A scores on day 15 and MADRS scores on day 15 showed improvement, and HAM-D scores for 30 mg zuranolone on different treatment days exhibited improvement (WMD, -2.55; 95% CI, -3.24 to -1.58; P = 0.05). However, analyzing HAM-D scores on day 15 for various zuranolone doses revealed no significant differences. Importantly, zuranolone use was associated with an increased incidence of adverse reactions. Results Our meta-analysis included four studies with 1454 patients, showing significant improvements with zuranolone across various measures, including HAM-D scores, HAM-A scores, MADRS scores, and specific HAM-D scores for 30 mg zuranolone on different treatment days. However, no significant differences were found in HAM-D scores on day 15 for various doses of zuranolone. Conclusions Our findings suggest that zuranolone is a promising, simple, and convenient treatment for patients with major depressive disorder, offering potential guidance for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Weihong Li
- School of Basic Medical Science, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Otter M, Kothgassner OD, Lepuschütz L, Drahos S, Plener PL. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rates of adolescents receiving psychopharmacological medication in Austria. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2024; 18:10. [PMID: 38218981 PMCID: PMC10788023 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00684-x] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many aspects of everyday life, including the (mental) healthcare system. An increase in depression and anxiety symptoms has been reported worldwide, and is particularly pronounced in females and young people. We aimed to evaluate changes in prescription rates for psychopharmacological medication, which is often used to treat depression and anxiety. METHOD Based on data from the Austrian public health insurance institutions, we conducted an interrupted time series analysis of antidepressants and antipsychotics, comparing prescription rate developments before and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic (2013 to 2021), with a special focus on adolescents (10-19 years) in comparison to the general population. Data were based on all public prescriptions in the outpatient sector nationwide. Age- and sex-stratified time-series models were fitted to the pre-COVID period (first quarter (Q1) of 2013 to second quarter (Q2) of 2020). These were used to generate forecasts for the period from the third quarter (Q3) of 2020 to the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2021, which were subsequently compared to observed developments in order to assess significant deviations from the forecasted development paths. RESULTS For the majority of the evaluated period, we found a significant excess of antidepressant prescriptions among both male and female adolescents (10-14 and 15-19 years) compared to the forecasted development path, while the general population was mostly within 97.5% confidence intervals of the forecasts. Regarding antipsychotics, the interrupted time series analysis revealed a significant excess in the group of female adolescents in almost all quarters, which was especially pronounced in the 15-19 age group. Prescription rates of antipsychotics in the general population only showed a significant excess in two quarters. CONCLUSION Increased rates of adolescents receiving psychopharmacological treatment echo the epidemiological trends of an increase in depression and anxiety symptoms reported in the literature. This increase is especially pronounced in female adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Otter
- Federation of Austrian Social Insurance Institutions, Kundmanngasse 21, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - O D Kothgassner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University Vienna, Waehringerguertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - L Lepuschütz
- Federation of Austrian Social Insurance Institutions, Kundmanngasse 21, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - S Drahos
- Federation of Austrian Social Insurance Institutions, Kundmanngasse 21, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - P L Plener
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University Vienna, Waehringerguertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhoevelstr. 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany.
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Ushikoshi-Nakayama R, Yamazaki T, Omagari D, Matsumoto N, Inoue H, Nukuzuma C, Nishino S, Saito I. Evaluation of the benefits of neutral bicarbonate ionized water baths in an open-label, randomized, crossover trial. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1261. [PMID: 38218992 PMCID: PMC10787754 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51851-9] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that neutral bicarbonate ionized water (NBIW) bathing enhances blood flow by bicarbonate ions and described the underlying mechanism. However, additional clinical investigation was warranted to investigate the efficacy of NBIW bathing. Hence, we performed a randomized, open-label, crossover trial to examine the effects of NBIW bathing on mental stress, sleep, and immune function. Participants who regularly felt stressed were randomly assigned to NBIW or regular bathing for 4 weeks. Mental stress was assessed with the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ) and the Profile of Mood States Second Edition; sleep quality, with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Japanese version (PSQI-J) and actigraphy; and immune function, with laboratory tests. PSQI-J scores and actigraphy sleep latency and bed out latency improved significantly more with NBIW bathing than with regular bathing (p < 0.05). Furthermore, NBIW bathing reduced both stress-induced fluctuations in CD4+ and CD8+ T cell counts and fluctuations in the naive to memory T cell ratio and neutrophil phagocytosis, indicating improved immune function. These findings suggest that daily NBIW bathing could improve mental stress, sleep quality, and immune function and bring about positive health effects in those who experience stress in their daily lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoko Ushikoshi-Nakayama
- Department of Pathology, Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine, 2-1-3 Tsurumi, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-8501, Japan
| | - Tomoe Yamazaki
- Department of Pathology, Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine, 2-1-3 Tsurumi, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-8501, Japan
| | - Daisuke Omagari
- Department of Pathology, Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine, 2-1-3 Tsurumi, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-8501, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Matsumoto
- Department of Pathology, Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine, 2-1-3 Tsurumi, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroko Inoue
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nihon Pharmaceutical University, 10281 Komuro, Ina-machi, Kitaadachi-gun, Saitama, 362-0806, Japan
| | - Chiyoko Nukuzuma
- Bicarbonate Thermotherapy Institute Co., Ltd., Park West Bldg. F7, 6-12-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Seiji Nishino
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology Laboratory, Stanford University School of Medicine, 3155 Porter Drive, Room 2016, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Ichiro Saito
- Department of Pathology, Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine, 2-1-3 Tsurumi, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-8501, Japan.
- Cranescience Co., Ltd., 3-9-8 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-8139, Japan.
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Haylor H, Sparkes T, Armitage G, Dawson-Jones M, Double K, Edwards L. The process and perspective of serious incident investigations in adult community mental health services: integrative review and synthesis. BJPsych Bull 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38174424 DOI: 10.1192/bjb.2023.98] [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] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS AND METHOD Serious incident management and organisational learning are international patient safety priorities. Little is known about the quality of suicide investigations and, in turn, the potential for organisational learning. Suicide risk assessment is acknowledged as a complex phenomenon, particularly in the context of adult community mental health services. Root cause analysis (RCA) is the dominant investigative approach, although the evidence base underpinning RCA is contested, with little attention paid to the patient in context and their cumulative risk over time. RESULTS Recent literature proposes a safety-II approach in response to the limitations of RCA. The importance of applying these approaches within a mental healthcare system that advocates a zero suicide framework, grounded in a restorative just culture, is highlighted. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Although integrative reviews and syntheses have clear methodological limitations, this approach facilitates the management of a disparate body of work to advance a critical understanding of patient safety in adult community mental healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Haylor
- First Response Crisis Service, Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Tony Sparkes
- Faculty of Management, Law and Social Sciences, University of Bradford, UK
| | - Gerry Armitage
- Research and Development Department, Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, UK
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Bradford, UK
| | - Melanie Dawson-Jones
- Library and Health Promotion Resources Centre, Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Keith Double
- Patient and Carer Experience and Involvement Team, Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Lisa Edwards
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Bradford, UK
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Irigoyen-Otiñano M, Porras-Segovia A, Vega-Sánchez DDL, Arenas-Pijoan L, Agraz-Bota M, Torterolo G, Sánchez-Cazalilla M, Fuentes-Casany D, Adrados-Pérez M, Puigdevall-Ruestes M. Psychiatric Emergencies and Suicide Attempts Before and During COVID-19 Lockdown in Spain. CRISIS 2024; 45:8-17. [PMID: 36637085 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the mental health of the population. The lockdown period in Spain - from March 14 to June 21, 2020 - was particularly stressful. This study aims to examine the differences in visits to the emergency department for psychiatric reasons before and during the lockdown period in a hospital in the province of Lleida (Catalonia, Spain), which has a catchment area of 431,183 inhabitants. We hope that this study can contribute to the understanding of this difficult period in our recent history and help us to be prepared in case of new social emergencies that may affect the mental health of the general population. Aims: This study aims to examine the differences in ER visits due to psychiatric reasons before and during the COVID-19 lockdown period in a province hospital in Spain. Methods: We compared the n = 1,599 visits to the emergency room and their characteristics before (June 13 to March 13, 2020) and during (March 14 to June 21, 2020) the lockdown period in the province of Lerida, Spain. Data were obtained from the electronic health records. Information collected included sociodemographic variables, reason for consultation, previous diagnosis, and characteristics of suicidal ideation and attempts - including history of previous suicidal behavior, method, days spent in the ER, suicide reattempts at 6-month follow-up. Results: Before lockdown, there were an average of 11.2 psychiatric emergencies per day compared with 9.2 psychiatric emergencies per day during lockdown. Regarding suicidal behavior, before lockdown, there were an average of 0.9 suicide attempts before lockdown compared with 0.7 attempts per day during lockdown. Limitations: Since the data came from the electronic health records, we have relied on the clinical diagnosis made by different psychiatrists. Also, we did not record psychiatric comorbidities, but instead only registered one main Axis I diagnosis and one main Axis II diagnosis. Conclusions: We observed a decrease in the number of visits to the ER in general, as well as a lower frequency of patients with suicidal behavior during the first and only lockdown period in Spain, which occurred during the initial months of the pandemic. This is consistent with previous studies showing a reduction of suicidal behavior during periods of social emergency. However, this decrease could be only temporary, and several authors predict an increase of suicidal behavior in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis. Ensuring access to mental healthcare during periods of crisis is crucial for the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Irigoyen-Otiñano
- Psychiatry Service, Santa Maria de Lleida University Hospital, Lleida, Spain
- IRB Lleida, Spain
- Psychiatry Service, Vithas Lérida, Spain
| | | | - Diego de la Vega-Sánchez
- Psychiatry Service, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, Seville, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Seville, Spain
| | - Laura Arenas-Pijoan
- Psychiatry Service, Santa Maria de Lleida University Hospital, Lleida, Spain
| | - Marc Agraz-Bota
- Psychiatry Service, Santa Maria de Lleida University Hospital, Lleida, Spain
| | - Giovanni Torterolo
- Psychiatry Service, Santa Maria de Lleida University Hospital, Lleida, Spain
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48
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Borges G, Orozco R, Gunnell D, Gutiérrez-García RA, Albor Y, Quevedo Chávez GE, Hernández Uribe PC, Cruz Hernández S, Covarrubias Díaz Couder MA, Alonso J, Medina-Mora ME, Benjet C. Suicidal Ideation and Behavior Among Mexican University Students Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Arch Suicide Res 2024; 28:342-357. [PMID: 36762658 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2023.2176270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of populations around the world, but few longitudinal studies of its impact on suicidal thoughts and behaviors have been published especially from low- and middle-income countries. METHODS This is a prospective cohort study of 1,385 first-year students from 5 Universities in Mexico followed-up for 1 year. We report 1-year cumulative incidence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors before (September 19, 2019-March 29, 2020) and during the COVID-19 period (March 30, 2020-June 30, 2020), focusing on those in the COVID-19 period with risk conditions and positive coping strategies during the pandemic. RESULTS There was an increase in the incidence of suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 period compared to the pre-COVID-19 period (RR 1.65, 95%CI 1.08-2.50). This increase was mostly found among students with heightened sense of vulnerability (RR 1.95), any poor coping behavior (RR 2.40) and a prior mental disorder (RR 2.41). While we found no evidence of an increased risk of suicidal planning or attempts, there was evidence that those without lifetime mental health disorders were at greater risk of suicidal plans than those with these disorders especially if they had poor coping strategies (RR 3.14). CONCLUSION In the short term, how students deal with the pandemic, being at high risk and having poor coping behavior, increased the new occurrence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Studies with longer follow-up and interventions to reduce or enhance these behaviors are needed.HIGHLIGHTSSuicidal ideation increased during the COVID-19 periodThose with heightened sense of vulnerability and poor coping were more affectedStudies with longer follow-up are needed.
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Husky MM, Pic O, Callahan S, Navarro-Mateu F. Twelve-month suicidal ideation, incidence and persistence among college students pre-pandemic and during the pandemic: A longitudinal study. Psychiatry Res 2024; 331:115669. [PMID: 38091895 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/02/2024]
Abstract
The present study explored whether there had been significant changes in 12-month suicidal thoughts, incidence, and persistence of suicidal ideation among college students prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were drawn from the French portion of the World Mental Health International College student Survey Initiative (WMH-ICS), a prospective cohort survey initiated in 2017. Students who completed both the baseline and one-year follow-up surveys were included (n = 1,216). Lifetime suicidal ideation and behaviors and mental disorders were assessed at baseline, and 12-month suicidal ideation and behaviors were also assessed at one-year follow-up. Logistic regressions were used to determine whether the odds of 12-month suicidal ideation at follow-up was associated with COVID-19 pandemic period while adjusting for lifetime psychopathology. No significant change in the odds of 12-month suicidal ideation was observed during the pandemic when compared to pre-pandemic times. Adjusting for prior psychopathology, 12-month suicidal ideation was not significantly associated with pandemic times, nor was incidence or persistence. No evidence of a significant increase in suicidal thoughts during the pandemic was observed. Longer follow-up periods and larger samples are needed in order to determine whether suicidal ideation and behaviors remain stable in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde M Husky
- Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, ACTIVE Team, INSERM U1219, Université de Bordeaux, 3 ter, place de la Victoire, Bordeaux 33076, France.
| | - Océane Pic
- Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, ACTIVE Team, INSERM U1219, Université de Bordeaux, 3 ter, place de la Victoire, Bordeaux 33076, France
| | - Stacey Callahan
- Centre d'études et de recherche en psychopathologie et psychologie de la santé (CERPPS), EA 7411, Université de Toulouse 2-Jean Jaurès, Toulouse, France
| | - Fernando Navarro-Mateu
- Unidad de Docencia, Investigación y Formación en Salud Mental (UDIF-SM), Servicio Murciano de Salud. Murcia. Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid. Spain; IMIB-Arrixaca. Murcia, Spain
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50
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Kislov MA, Prikhodko AN, Kildyushov EM, Artemieva EN, Marevichev MM, Stepanov SA, Shpikuleva AS. [Comparative analysis of factors influencing suicidal actions performance before and during the COVID-19 pandemic]. Sud Med Ekspert 2024; 67:5-9. [PMID: 38353007 DOI: 10.17116/sudmed2024670115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the influence of COVID-19, as well as various factors on the rate of deaths caused by suicide. MATERIAL AND METHODS The statistical analysis of mortality according to the data of «Bureau of FME» in the period from 2019 to 2020 yrs. and the search of scientific publications over the past 10 years in PubMed database have been conducted. Articles describing the factors influencing suicidal deaths in different population groups were selected from the publications. RESULTS Statistically significant features that determine the influence of quarantine measures in the period COVID-19 on the mental component of citizens and suicidal dynamics were considered and established.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Kislov
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - A N Prikhodko
- Bureau of Forensic Medical Expertise, Moscow, Russia
| | - E M Kildyushov
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - E N Artemieva
- Bureau of Forensic Medical Expertise, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - S A Stepanov
- Federal State University of Education, Moscow, Russia
| | - A S Shpikuleva
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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