Trends of Suicidal Behaviors Among High School Students in the United States: 1991-2017

Childhood Maltreatment, Executive Function, and Suicide Attempts in Adolescents

Evidence suggests that child maltreatment is a risk factor for adolescent suicidal behavior. However, the differential influence of distinct forms of child maltreatment on adolescent suicide attempts is understudied and the factors that might exacerbate or ameliorate these associations warrant attention. We examined the associations between two distinct forms of child maltreatment (threat and deprivation) and suicide attempt history, and investigated whether executive function domains moderated these associations. Participants were 119 adolescents (M = 15.24, SD = 1.46, 72.3% female) recruited from an inpatient psychiatric hospital during hospitalization for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Results indicated that the executive function domains of initiation, shifting, and planning/organization moderated the associations between threat and suicide attempt history. Associations between threat and suicide attempt history were significant only when initiation and shifting T-scores were lower (OR = 1.22, p = .03 and OR = 1.32, p = .01, respectively). The association between threat and suicide attempt history trended toward significance when planning/organization T-scores were lower (OR = 1.15, p = .10). None of the executive function domains moderated the link between deprivation and suicide attempt history. Findings highlight the need for research investigating whether initiation, shifting, and planning/organization might be amendable to intervention in the context of threat-related child maltreatment.

Understanding the Social Drivers for LGBTQIA+ Youth Suicide

LGBTQIA+ youth are disproportionately affected by mental health issues including suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Minoritized youth have numerous social and structural factors influencing their health, including a lack of access to care and resources. However, these youth and their caregivers also have many unique and individual cultural strengths. Awareness of special considerations and work toward dismantling structural drivers is essential in improving the health of these youth. Additionally, it is important to support minoritized youth and their caregivers through tailored evidence-based treatments in addressing social and structural drivers to influence individual, community, educational, institutional, and policy levels and prevent suicide in achieving mental health equity.

Characteristics of Transition-Age Youth Engaging in Suicidal Behavior

PURPOSE

Suicide rates are markedly high among children with foster care involvement. Transition-age youth (TAY) who age-out of the foster care system are at particularly high risk.

METHODS

Analyzing data from the California Youth Transitions to Adulthood Study (n=727), this paper explores the descriptive characteristics of TAY who engage in suicidal behavior with the goals of better identifying, understanding, and supporting those at risk. We report rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt at four interview waves (ages 17, 19, 21, 23) and examine differences in rates by sociodemographic characteristics, past maltreatment, and behavioral health disorders.

RESULTS

At age 17, 42% of California Youth Transitions to Adulthood Study participants had thought of committing suicide and 24% had attempted suicide. Across ages, sexual minority youth reported significantly higher rates of suicidal ideation and behavior than their heterosexual peers. We also found that youth with (1) maltreatment experiences (both before and during foster care); (2) major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder; and (3) alcohol/substance abuse disorders were significantly more likely than their peers without these characteristics/diagnoses to engage in suicidal behavior at certain ages. Youth with comorbid psychiatric and substance use disorders were consistently at elevated risk.

DISCUSSION

Routine screening for suicidal behavior among TAY is important for child welfare service providers to consider. Youth at risk may benefit from more consistent assessment, mental health care, and targeted mental health intervention. Future research is needed to shed light on mechanisms linking certain sociodemographic, experiential, and behavioral health characteristics with suicidal behavior in TAY.

Childhood adversities and suicidal ideation among young adults with serious mental illnesses: The mediating roles of perceived stress, dispositional hope, and mental health hope

BACKGROUND

Rates of suicidality are high among young adults and minoritized groups are disproportionately affected. Despite evidence that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may increase suicide-related risk, the underlying mechanisms through which ACEs may impact suicidal ideation (SI) remain poorly understood, especially among marginalized young adults with serious mental illnesses (SMI) such as schizophrenia-spectrum, major depressive, and bipolar disorders. This study examines associations between ACEs and SI, and whether perceived stress, dispositional hope, and mental health hope may mediate the relationship.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 114 young adults of color with SMI who participated in a larger randomized trial. Data were analyzed using a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach.

RESULTS

Young adults with more ACEs reported higher perceived stress, which in turn, was associated with more SI. Higher perceived stress was associated with lower dispositional and mental health hope. Although dispositional hope was negatively associated with SI on a bivariate level, neither dispositional nor mental health hope was significantly associated with SI in the multivariate SEM. This suggests that over and above perceived stress, hope does not appear to be associated with SI.

LIMITATIONS

Key limitations include a cross-sectional design, a modest sample size, and an assessment of select ACEs.

CONCLUSION

Addressing stress-related processes may be one promising target for suicide prevention efforts in the context of ACEs. Policy interventions focused on the allocation of resources and changing environments that are stress and trauma-inducing are needed to reduce the occurrence of ACEs and their negative sequelae.

Factors Associated With Discharge Against Medical Advice in US Adolescents Hospitalized for Suicidal Ideation or Suicide Attempt

OBJECTIVE

Little is known about factors associated with discharge against medical advice (DAMA) in adolescent acute care hospitalization for suicidal ideation (SI) and suicide attempt (SA). Our study seeks to determine whether certain socioeconomic factors or hospital characteristics are associated with DAMA in this population.

METHOD

This retrospective cross-sectional study used data from the National Inpatient Sample from the 2015 fourth quarter to 2019. We included children 10 to 19 years of age hospitalized with a primary or secondary International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis of SI or SA. Exposures were patient socio-demographics and hospital characteristics. The outcome was DAMA. Logistic regression generated odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs to measure the association between each patient and hospital characteristics and DAMA.

RESULTS

Of 476,755 hospitalizations meeting inclusion criteria, 3,825 (0.8%) were DAMA. After adjusting for socio-demographics and hospital characteristics, predictive factors for DAMA were age 16 to 19 years (OR = 1.41; CI = 1.08-1.82), self-pay status (OR = 1.43; CI = 1.12-1.83), hospital region South and West (OR = 1.55; CI = 1.10-2.20 and OR = 1.79; CI = 1.26-2.54, respectively), and urban non-teaching status of the hospital (OR = 1.90; CI = 1.42-2.55). Hispanic patients were less likely to be DAMA (OR = 0.66; CI = 0.51-0.85).

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

This study utilized retrospective data from the National Inpatient Sample (2015 to 2019) to determine predictive factors for discharge against medical advice (DAMA) for youth, aged 10 to 19 years old, hospitalized for suicidal ideation or suicide attempt. Of 476,755 hospitalizations for suicidality, 3,825 (0.8%) were discharged against medical advice. Correlates of discharge against medical advice included age 16 to 19 years, self-pay status, admission to an urban non-teaching hospital, or a hospital located in the South or West Regions of the United States. Hispanic patients were less likely to be discharged against medical advice with no other racial/ ethnic differences observed.

CONCLUSION

Variations in DAMA probabilities by age, insurance status, hospital teaching status, and hospital regions suggest a need for a better understanding of this uncommon outcome.

Youth Crisis: The Current State and Future Directions

The number of children and youth experiencing behavioral health crisis in the United States is substantially increasing. Currently, there are shortages to home-based and community-based services as well as psychiatric outpatient and inpatient pediatric care, leading to high emergency department utilization. This article introduces a proposed crisis continuum of care, highlights existing evidence, and provides opportunities for further research and advocacy.

Investing in School Mental Health: Strategies to Wisely Spend Federal and State Funding

In the context of the current youth mental health crisis, it is prudent to reconsider how resources are allocated to facilitate the delivery of effective and comprehensive supports and services to children and adolescents. Schools are the main delivery sites for youth mental health services. Many districts have adopted comprehensive school mental health systems (CSMHS) to provide a multitiered approach comprising mental health promotion, prevention, and intervention to students via partnerships between school and community health and behavioral health providers. COVID-19 relief funding and other new federal and state investments in school mental health have led to expansions of school mental health programming in most states. An impending federal funding cliff necessitates an examination of how to wisely invest now to achieve the greatest positive future impact on youth mental health. To capitalize on opportunities to sustain effective school mental health and maximize return on investment, states may consider four strategies: leverage cross-sector partnerships to advance school mental health policies and funding, strengthen and expand Medicaid coverage of CSMHS, establish and enhance data systems, and create state technical assistance and professional development support for CSMHS implementation through local education agencies.

Risk and protective factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors among Black female and male youth with depression symptoms - United States, 2004-2019

BACKGROUND

From 2004 to 2019, suicide rates among Black youth increased by 122 % for females and 65 % for males. Guided by the interpersonal theory of suicide, this study explored how perceptions of social support and parental involvement may contribute to suicidal behavior among Black youth aged 12-17 years.

METHODS

Data are from the 2004-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Multivariable logistic regression with backwards elimination was conducted to determine if characteristics associated with outcomes of interest (i.e., suicidal ideation, made a suicide plan, and made a suicide attempt) differed by sex. The characteristics examined included: age, poverty level, health insurance coverage, currently receiving mental health treatment, grades for last completed semester, parental involvement, frequency of arguments or fights with parents, frequency of fights at school or work, parental attitudes, and availability of emotional support.

RESULTS

Over 400,000 Black youth with depression symptoms reported suicidal thoughts and behaviors (80 % female). Females had increased odds of suicidal ideation and making a plan if they had no one to talk to about serious problems. Males had increased odds of attempting suicide if they reported academic struggles.

LIMITATIONS

This is a cross-sectional study and potential biases may affect generalizability of results.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk and protective factors identified in this study aligned with the interpersonal theory of suicide. Evidence-based interventions that focus on increasing connectedness and self-esteem may be effective for Black youth struggling with suicidal ideation. Preventing suicide requires a comprehensive approach including prevention strategies for individuals, families, and communities.

Masculinity and Afrocentric Worldview: Assessing Risk and Protective Factors of Self-Reliance and Ubuntu on Young Black Men's Suicide Ideation

OBJECTIVE

Over the past three decades, there has been a disproportionate increase in premature deaths among young Black Males (YMBs) in the US. This devastating trend has been largely driven by suicide in YBMs. Ecological and interpersonal psychological theories can be leveraged to understand the etiology of premature death in YBMs through both risk and protective factors. This cross-sectional study assessed the influence of depression, self-reliance, Ubuntu (a commonly noted feature of the Afrocentric worldview), and attitudes toward mental health help-seeking behaviors on suicidal ideation among YBMs.

METHOD

Participants (n = 422) who were identified as male, Black American, or African American and aged 18-29 years old completed an online survey between June and July 2022. Ordinal logistic regression correctly classified 76.5% of cases and found a statistically significant difference between observed and expected values.

RESULTS

The odds of reporting suicidal ideation were higher among those with more symptoms of depression and self-reliance and lower among participants who reported more compassion compared to the reference group.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that compassion, an important aspect of Ubuntu, may have a protective effect against suicidal ideation, whereas high levels of depression and self-reliance may be linked to a greater vulnerability to suicidal ideation. As such, the current study recommends that interventions should reduce suicidal ideation and increase mental well-being among YBMs.

Evaluation of peripheral inflammatory parameters of cases with suicide attempts

PURPOSE

The purpose of the present study was to examine the inflammation markers of patients who have attempted suicide by comparing them with those of healthy controls. The leukocyte cell levels, Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratios (NLR), Basophil/Lymphocyte Ratios (BLR), Platelet/Lymphocyte Ratios (PLR), Monocyte/Lymphocyte Ratios (MLR), Systemic Inflammation Index (SII), Neutrophil/Albumin Ratios (NAR) values were compared with those of healthy controls.

METHOD

A total of 376 people were included in the study (276 patients who attempted suicide, and 100 healthy people (the control group)). The demographic data and laboratory parameters of the participants were analyzed from the hospital automation system.

RESULTS

The participants' female/male ratio was 158/118 (42.8%/57.1%) in the group of patients who attempted suicide and 41/59 (41/59%) in the control group. When the distribution of laboratory parameters was evaluated, although the NLR, BLR, NAR, SII, and MLR values, which are indicators of peripheral inflammation, were high in patients who attempted suicide (p = 0.049 for MLR, p = 0.000 for other values), the PLR (p = 0.586) value did not differ significantly between the groups. Patients who had attempted more than one suicide had elevated BLR (p = 0.007), SII (p = 0.003), and NAR (p = 0.003) values.

DISCUSSION

Based on the results obtained, it was considered that paying attention to inflammation parameters in patient follow-ups, and monitoring of SII, NLR, BLR, and NAR values of patients who had attempted suicide once would be beneficial in preventing future suicide attempts. These results strengthen the idea that inflammatory processes play roles in the pathophysiology of suicidal behavior. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the complex pathophysiological mechanisms of immune pathways underlying suicidal behavior.

Commercially Sexually Exploited Adolescent Girls: The Association Between Externalizing Disorders and Parental Incarceration with Suicide Attempts

Commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) is a significant public health concern disproportionately affecting ethnoracially minoritized girls. Despite strong associations of CSE with suicide attempts, little is known about correlates of suicide among girls with CSE histories. Elevated rates of externalizing disorders (i.e., attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], disruptive behavior disorders [DBD], conduct disorder [CD]) were observed among CSE youth, particularly in ethnoracially minoritized samples. Youth with CSE histories are frequently affected by parental incarceration, which is correlated with risk for suicide attempts. We tested cross-sectional simultaneous associations of externalizing disorders and parental incarceration with number of suicide attempts among 360 ethnoracially diverse girls affected by CSE (Mean age = 18.86). ADHD, DBD, and maternal incarceration were positively associated with number of suicide attempts. Findings implicate clinical/familial correlates of suicide attempts in this marginalized group, suggesting early suicide prevention efforts may improve traction on this problem by focusing on individual and family level factors.

Incidence and correlates of suicide attempts in adolescents with major depressive versus bipolar disorders: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Major depressive disorders (MDD) and bipolar disorders (BD) are the most common psychiatric diagnoses of suicide attempts (SA) in adolescents. However, little is known regarding the differences in incidence and clinical-related features of SA between these two disorders. The study aims to examine the SA incidence and related factors in adolescents with MDD versus BD.

METHOD

A retrospective survey was conducted in outpatients. SA incidence, demographic characteristics and substance use history were collected. Symptom Checklist-90 was used to measure the severity of symptoms. The Revised Chinese internet addiction scale and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 were utilized to assess the presence of internet addiction and impulsiveness. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire was used to measure childhood maltreatment subtypes.

RESULTS

295 MDD and 205 BD adolescents were recruited. The incidence of SA for MDD and BD were 52.5 % and 56.4 %, respectively. BD adolescents who attempted suicide showed worse symptoms, higher rates of nicotine and alcohol use, higher motor and non-planning impulsivity, and a more childhood physical abuse proportion than MDD adolescents with SA. Physical abuse in childhood was found to be associated with SA in both disorders (OR = 1.998 for MDD; OR = 2.275 for BD), while higher anxiety (OR = 1.705), and alcohol use (OR = 2.094) were only associated with SA in MDD.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective, cross-sectional design cannot draw causality, and biases in self-report measurements cannot be ignored.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings revealed some difference between BD and MDD for adolescents with SA, and it emphasize significance of prompt identification and exact distinction between BD and MDD in adolescents.

Do We Belong? Examining the Associations Between Adolescents' Perceptions of School Belonging, Teacher Discrimination, Peer Prejudice and Suicide

In the USA, suicide is a leading cause of death for adolescents ages 12 to 18 (National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 2019). Given the urgency of this public health crisis, this paper aims to explore the impact of a sense of school belonging and teacher-based discrimination and peer-based prejudice on suicidal ideation and attempts among Black youth. This secondary analysis used a sample of Black youth (N = 4229; Mage = 16) from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescents to Adult Health data. Independent variables included a sense of school belonging, school-based teacher discrimination, and school-based peer prejudice; the dependent variable was suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The results of multinomial regression analyses revealed that as Black adolescents' sense of school belonging decreased, they were 35% more likely to be at risk for suicidal ideation and attempts. Findings from our study support the assertion that the school microsystem plays a substantial role in modifying the risk of suicidal behavior among Black youth.

Factors Associated with Suicide Risk Behavior Outcomes Among Black High School Adolescents

There is an urgent need for youth suicide research, particularly among Black adolescents, for whom there have been significant increases over time. This study examines associations between eight covariates and suicide ideation, planning, and attempts among a national sample of Black high school adolescents to inform prevention efforts. Utilizing the 2019 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey data, a sample of N = 6225 Black high school participants was analyzed. A weighted classification tree and network analysis were used to visualize data features, and weighted multinomial ordered logistic regression analyses with multiple imputation pooled using Rubin's rules were performed. Suicide ideation rates of 16% were found in the sample and a higher reported rate of suicide attempts (56%) for those who have reported both ideation and planning. Interpersonal and multilevel factors, including suffering from bullying/cyberbullying, carrying a weapon, or being a sexual minority, were significantly associated with all three suicide behaviors. Findings support an interrelated and multilevel nature of suicide risk factors. Prevention programs for Black adolescents should consider the intersectionality of identities and experiences.

Trends in Suicidality and Bullying among New York City Adolescents across Race and Sexual Identity: 2009-2019

Despite evidence showing rising suicidality among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) and Black adolescents, separately, there is scant research on suicide risk trajectories among youth groups across both racial and sexual identities. Thus, we examined trajectories of self-reported suicidal ideation and attempt and their associations with bullying among New York City-based adolescents. We analyzed 2009-2019 NYC Youth Risk Behavior Survey data. We ran weighted descriptive and logistic regression analyses to test for trends in dichotomous suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, bullying at school, and e-bullying variables among students across both race/ethnicity and sexual identity. We assessed associations between suicidality trends and bullying with logistic regressions. Models controlled for age and sex. Suicidal ideation and attempt were 2 and 5 times more likely among LGB than heterosexual participants, respectively. Bullying at school and e-bullying were 2 times more likely among LGB than heterosexual participants. Black LGB participants were the only LGB group for which both suicidal ideation (AOR = 1.04, SE = .003, p < .001) and attempt (AOR = 1.04, SE = .004, p < .001) increased over time. Both increased at accelerating rates. Conversely, White LGB participants were the only LGB group for which both suicidal ideation (AOR = 0.98, SE = .006, p < .001) and attempt (AOR = 0.92, SE = .008, p < .001) decreased over time. These changes occurred in parallel with significant bullying increases for Black and Latina/o/x LGB adolescents and significant bullying decreases for White LGB adolescents. Bullying was positively associated with suicidal ideation and attempt for all adolescents. Findings suggest resources aimed at curbing rising adolescent suicide should be focused on Black LGB youth.

Perceived Racial Discrimination, Psychological Distress, and Suicidal Behavior in Adolescence: Secondary Analysis of Cross-Sectional Data from a Statewide Youth Survey

Developmental, clinical, and epidemiological research have demonstrated the salience of perceived racial discrimination (PRD) as a contributor to negative mental health outcomes in adolescence. This article summarizes secondary analyses of cross-sectional data from a large-scale youth survey within a predominantly rural state, to estimate the prevalence and strength of the association between PRD and serious psychological distress (SPD), suicidal ideation, and prior suicidal attempts. Data from 93,812 students enrolled in 6th, 8th, 10th, or 12th grade within 129 school districts across Kentucky were examined, to determine prevalence rates for subgroups within the cohort. Logistic regression analyses assessed the differences and established comparative strength of the association among these variables for racial/ethnic subgroups. PRD was self-reported at high rates across several demographic subgroups and was most evident among Black (24.5%) and Asian (22.1%) students. Multiracial students experienced the highest rates of both SPD and suicidality (ideation and prior attempt). Both for the entire cohort and for each racial/ethnic subgroup, PRD was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of negative mental health outcomes, although the strength of these associations varied across the subgroups and developmental levels. The implications for early intervention and prevention are discussed.

Structural adverse childhood experiences associated with suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and repetitive nonsuicidal self-injury among racially and ethnically minoritized youth

INTRODUCTION

High rates of suicidal ideation (SI), suicide attempts (SA), and repetitive nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among some ethnoracially minoritized United States youth populations may be related to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with structural roots.

METHODS

Using the 2013-2019 Minnesota Student Surveys, we assessed associations of student-reported structural ACEs (parental incarceration, housing instability, food insecurity, and foster care involvement) with SI, SA, and repetitive NSSI within the past 12 months using multilevel logistic regression stratified by ethnoracial group (American Indian/Alaskan Native [AIAN], Hmong, other Asian, Black Latino, other Latino, Somali, other Black/African American [AA], Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander [NHPI], and multiracial), and adjusted for sex, grade, ACEs experienced within one's household, mental health treatment, and perceived safety.

RESULTS

Structural ACEs were strongly associated with increasing SI, SA, and NSSI. At ≥2 structural ACEs, repetitive NSSI rates ranged from 7% to 29% (female), 8% to 20% (male); SA rates ranged from 13% to 35% (female), 10% to 22% (male); and SI rates ranged from 31% to 50% (female), 20% to 32% (male). Black Latino, NHPI, AIAN, and Black/AA students most often reported structural ACE exposures.

CONCLUSION

Reducing structural ACEs may reduce SI, SA, and repetitive NSSI among ethnoracially minoritized youth populations. Disaggregating diverse youth groups revealed variations in these outcomes that remain hidden when subpopulations are aggregated.

Suicidality and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: A Narrative Review of Measurement, Risk, and Disparities among Minoritized and System-Involved Youth in the USA

Suicidality and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among youth in the United States continue to be a growing and serious public health concern. With alarming rates of suicide trending in the wrong direction, researchers are committed to bending the curve of suicide and reducing rates by 2025. Understanding the antecedents and conditions, existing measures, and disparate prevalence rates across minoritized groups is imperative for developing effective strategies for meeting this goal. This study presents a narrative review of the operationalization, measurement, risk factors (e.g., firearms and social media), and disparities across race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, ability, sexual orientation, immigration statuses, and system involvement (e.g., foster care and juvenile justice) of suicidality and non-suicidal self-harm across youth in the United States. Implications for research, practice, and policy approaches that incorporate positive youth development, cultural, and youth participation in interventions are discussed.

Prevalence of youth experiencing homelessness and its association with suicidal thoughts and behaviors: Findings from a population-based study

Although various studies have examined factors associated with suicidal behaviors among youth, few studies have investigated the association between youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) using a large nationally representative sample. The objectives of this study were to investigate prevalence of YEH and its association with STBs. Data for this study came from the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. An analytic sample of 17,033 youth aged 14-18 (51.7 % male) was analyzed using binary logistic regression. Of the 17,033 youth examined, 3 % experienced homelessness during the past 30 days, 21.3 % experienced suicidal ideation, 17.3 % made a suicide plan, and 10.9 % attempted suicide during the past 12 months. Controlling for demographic characteristics and feeling sad or hopeless, YEH was associated with 2.48 times higher odds of experiencing suicidal ideation (AOR=2.48, p<.001), 2.46 times higher odds of making a suicide plan (AOR=2.46, p<.001), and 4.38 times higher odds of making a suicide attempt (AOR=4.38, p<.001). The findings of this study highlight the importance of identifying youth who are at risk of experiencing homelessness to ensure early interventions are put in place to prevent suicidal behaviors.

Disparities and Trends in Middle School Students' Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: Results From the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2015-2019

PURPOSE

To examine trends and racial and ethnic disparities in early adolescent suicidal thoughts and behaviors in the years immediately prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This study used pooled data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's middle school Youth Risk Behavior Survey (n = 127,912) between 2015 and 2019. Three dichotomized measures of suicide-related behaviors were assessed: suicidal thoughts, planning, and attempts. Weighted prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each survey year. Linear trends examined disparities in the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, overall and by student demographic characteristics. Main effects odds ratios compared estimates among racial and ethnic minority adolescents with non-Hispanic White students, controlling for sex and grade.

RESULTS

Significant linear increases were observed for the percentage of middle school students who reported seriously thinking about suicide (18.2%-22.3%), ever making a suicide plan (11.8%-14.7%), and ever attempting suicide (6.9%-9.3%). Racial and ethnic minority students, other than non-Hispanic Asian, showed higher odds of suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared with non-Hispanic White students.

DISCUSSION

Findings indicate a need for comprehensive suicide prevention to address health equity and disparities in suicide-related behaviors among middle school-aged adolescents.

Informing Equitable Prevention Practices: A Statewide Disaggregated Analysis of Suicide for Ethnoracially Minoritized Adolescents

The increase in adolescent suicide rates in the United States is a pervasive public health issue, and ethnoracial youth with diverse identities are disproportionately impacted, yet less studied. National planning efforts reinforce state-level approaches to suicide prevention through an equitable lens to prevent adolescent suicide. This study examined disaggregated state-level data over time to determine changes to suicide outcomes based on race/ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, and the intersection of these identities and determined which sub-groups had higher odds of suicide outcomes. Data from the 1991-2019 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance System were analyzed for 17,419 ethnoracially minoritized high school adolescents in North Carolina. Descriptive analyses and multinominal logistic regression models were employed. Findings indicated that subgroups within categories of ethnoracial populations, specifically Black female adolescents unsure of their sexual orientation, reported higher rates of suicide attempts. Additionally, Multiracial adolescents reported higher means for suicide consideration and attempts over time. Recommendations for investigating state-level suicide data by focusing on diverse intersecting identities to illuminate areas for potential prevention efforts and support health equity are provided.

Association between a changeable lifestyle, sedentary behavior, and suicide risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Suicide and self-injury have become increasingly serious public health crises. Yet current evidence about the association between sedentary behavior (SB) and suicide is inconclusive. We explore the relationship between SB and suicide behavior to provide intervention measures to change the risk factors of the latter.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from database inception to September 10, 2023. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were used as effect measures. Subgroup analysis was conducted based on gender, regions and countries, age, and study type.

RESULTS

A total of 13 studies were included. According to the meta-analysis of suicide type, compared with individuals without sedentary behavior, individuals with sedentary behavior have a higher risk of suicide attempt (OR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.15-1.37, p < 0.001), suicide ideation (OR = 1.47, 95%CI:1.28-1.68, p < 0.001) and suicide plan (OR = 1.30, 95%CI:1.16-1.44, p < 0.001). We conducted multiple subgroup analyses for different suicidal behaviors. The analysis found that SB can increase the risk of suicide attempt in different subgroups of different genders, different research centers, Africa, and adolescents; SB can increase the risk of suicide ideation in the subgroups of different genders and ages, different research centers, Asia and Africa; SB can increase the risk of suicide plan in the subgroups of different genders, multi-center study, Africa, and adolescents.

LIMITATIONS

Future research should focus on objective SB measurement and explore its dose-response relation and time limit.

CONCLUSION

A sedentary lifestyle is associated with suicide behavior risk, with varying effects across age groups and regions, as evidenced in both single-center and multi-center studies.

Race/Ethnicity Inequities in the Association Between Movement Behaviors and Suicidal Thoughts/Ideation Among Adolescents

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to analyze the associations between movement behaviors (physical activity, screen time, and sleep), independently and jointly, and suicidal thoughts/ideation among Brazilian adolescents according to race/ethnicity.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study surveyed 4,081 adolescents aged 15-19 years (49.9% females) across all Brazilian geographic regions. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Within the sample, 31.0% (n = 1,264) self-reported as White and 69.0% (n = 2,817) as Black. Adolescents who declared one or more times/week suicidal thoughts/ideation were considered as a risk group. Accruing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during leisure time, reduced recreational screen time, and good sleep quality were the exposures investigated. We evaluated both additive and multiplicative interactions between race/ethnicity and movement behaviors. Binary logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR), marginal means effects, and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

RESULTS

Black adolescents who met 1 (OR: 0.34; [95% CI: 0.22-0.52]), 2 (OR: 0.17 [0.11-0.27]), or 3 (OR: 0.13 [0.07-0.26]), and White adolescents who met 1 (OR: 0.35 [0.21-0.57]), 2 (OR: 0.14 [0.08-0.26]), or 3 (OR: 0.11 [0.04-0.31]) of the movement behavior targets had lower odds of suicidal thoughts/ideation than Black adolescents who did not meet any of the movement behavior targets. Black adolescents who did not meet any of the movement behavior targets had higher suicidal thoughts/ideation odds than the other adolescent's groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified an inverse association between meeting individuals and combinations of movement behavior targets with suicidal thoughts/ideation. Among Black adolescents who did not meet any targets, these associations were more evident.

Building stronger bonds: The impact of family support and communication on suicidal behaviors among Black men who have sex with men

INTRODUCTION

It has been well documented that men who identify with a sexual orientation other than heterosexual are at a greater risk for suicide-related outcomes. What is less known are the protective factors that can reduce such negative outcomes and contribute to their resilience.

METHODS

This study used data collected between December 1, 2021, and January 2022 to understand how family factors contribute to or prevent depression symptoms and suicide outcomes among young Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) ages 18 to 29 (N = 400). A path analysis was conducted to explore the direct and indirect effects of suicide attempts.

RESULTS

Surprisingly, there were nuanced findings that showed having a family member or friend die by suicide was indirectly associated with suicide planning and suicide attempts. It was also unexpectedly noted that there was a positive relationship between higher rates of depressive symptoms and higher levels of support from family members.

CONCLUSIONS

The population focused on in this study is understudied and has unique needs. Identifying familial support may not automatically reduce the thoughts and plans of young BMSM, which is an example of why their intersecting marginalized identities must be considered when conducting further research, creating interventions, and providing therapeutic services.

Trends in Adolescent Suicide by Method in the US, 1999-2020

Importance

Adolescent suicide in the US is a major public health problem, yet temporal trends in suicide methods by demographics are understudied.

Objective

To examine national trends in suicide mortality by method (firearm, poisoning, hanging and asphyxiation, and all other means) from 1999 to 2020 by demographic characteristics.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This serial cross-sectional study used national death certificate data of adolescent (aged 10-19 years) suicide decedents compiled by the National Center for Health Statistics from January 1, 1999, to December 31, 2020. Data analysis was performed from April 1, 2023, to July 9, 2023.

Exposures

Age, sex, and race and ethnicity.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Trends in age-standardized mortality rates and average annual percent change (AAPC) in rates were estimated by age, sex, and race and ethnicity for each suicide method.

Results

This study assessed data from 47 217 adolescent suicide decedents. From 1999 to 2020, suicide by firearm (AAPC, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.1-1.9), poisoning (AAPC, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.0-4.4), hanging and asphyxiation (AAPC, 2.4; 95% CI, 0.2-4.6), and other means (AAPC, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.2-4.6) increased. Rapidly increasing rates were observed among female adolescents for poisoning (AAPC, 4.5; 95% CI, 2.3-6.7) and hanging and asphyxiation (AAPC, 5.9; 95% CI, 5.0-6.8) suicides. From 2007 to 2020, firearm suicides sharply increased among female (annual percent change [APC], 7.8; 95% CI, 6.0-9.5) and male (APC, 5.3; 95% CI, 4.3-6.3) adolescents. Firearm suicide rates increased among Black adolescents from 2012 to 2020 (APC, 14.5; 95% CI, 9.7-19.5), Asian and Pacific Islander adolescents from 2008 to 2020 (APC, 12.0; 95% CI, 9.7-14.5), American Indian and Alaska Native adolescents from 2014 to 2020 (APC, 10.6; 95% CI, 2.6-19.3), and Hispanic or Latino adolescents from 2011 to 2020 (APC, 10.2; 95% CI, 6.3-13.8). During the study period, Black adolescents had the highest average increase in hanging and asphyxiation suicides (AAPC, 4.2; 95% CI, 3.2-5.2). From 2011 to 2020, poisoning suicide deaths increased (APC, 12.6; 95% CI, 8.5-16.7) among female adolescents.

Conclusions and Relevance

Suicide rates increased across all methods from 1999 to 2020. Differences were noted by sex, age, and race and ethnicity. Increasing suicide rates among racial and ethnic minoritized youth are especially concerning, and effective prevention strategies are urgently needed.

Evaluation of Culturally Informed and Flexible Family-Based Treatment for Adolescents (CIFFTA) implemented in community-based settings

Effective family-based interventions are needed for youth who are experiencing emotional and behavioral difficulties and who are impacted by powerful environmental stressors. Culturally Informed and Flexible Family-Based Treatment for Adolescents (CIFFTA) is a manualized and evidence-based, multicomponent family-based treatment that has been shown to be efficacious in research settings. The purpose of this paper is to report on the effectiveness of implementing CIFFTA for the treatment of Latino and Black youth and families in community settings. Utilization of services offered and changes in youth presenting problems and family functioning were used to evaluate the program. Two hundred thirty-two youth (11-18 years of age) and their caregivers were recruited over 2 years and CIFFTA was delivered by experienced masters-level family therapists over a 12-16-week period. Seventy-six percent met the 8-session criteria for retention in treatment and 71% completed treatment. Results showed significant improvements in youth behavioral and emotional presenting problems, reduction in family conflict and improvement in family cohesion and communication. Caregiver well-being such as reductions in parental stress, relational frustration, and improvement in parental confidence also showed significant improvement. Analyses of reliable change indices showed a substantial improvement in youth who entered the program in the clinical range of presenting problems. The findings point to CIFFTA's ability to retain youth and families who tend to underutilize needed services, to significant reductions in presenting problems, and to improvements in family functioning when implemented in a community setting.

Depression and suicidal ideation among Black individuals in Canada: mediating role of traumatic life events and moderating role of racial microaggressions and internalized racism

PURPOSE

Although suicidal ideation (SI) is a serious concern in Canada, its prevalence and related factors among Black individuals are poorly documented. Using data from the Mental Health of Black Communities in Canada project (BeCoMHeal), this study aimed to assess the prevalence of SI in Black individuals aged 15-40 years old in Canada, the mediating role of traumatic life events in the association between depression and SI, and the moderating role of racial microaggressions and internalized racism.

METHODS

Eight hundred and sixty participants aged between 15 and 40 years (Mage =24.96, SD = 6.29) completed the online questionnaire assessing sociodemographic data, depression symptoms, traumatic life events, racial microaggressions, internalized racism, and SI.

RESULTS

Findings showed that 25.7% of the participants reported having experienced SI (26.5% women, 22.7% men, 𝛘2 = 1.08, p = .299). The moderated-mediation model revealed that traumatic life events fully mediated the association between depression and SI (B = 0.12, p = .004; 95% CI, [0.04, 0.20]) and that racial microaggressions (B = - 0.03, p = .042; 95% CI [-0.07, - 0.00]) and internalized racism (B = 0.06, p = .006; 95% CI [0.02, 0.10]) moderated this relationship.

CONCLUSION

These findings underscore the importance of addressing racial microaggressions and internalized racism in therapy contexts among Black individuals to mitigate the potential negative impacts on their mental health. They also emphasize the need to develop effective, culturally sensitive, and racially adapted suicide prevention and intervention programs for Black communities in Canada.

Suicide Methods and Trends Across Race/Ethnicity, Age, and Sex Groups in Chicago, Illinois, 2015-2021

Objectives. To measure differences in suicide rates across race/ethnicity, age, and sex groups in Chicago, Illinois, from 2015 to 2021. Methods. We calculated the incidence rate and annual percentage change in suicides among Asian, Black, Latino/a, and White persons in Chicago. We also analyzed patterns in suicide method across race/ethnicity, age, and sex groups. Results. Suicides increased significantly among Black males (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01, 1.20), Black females (IRR = 1.18; 95% CI = 1.04, 1.33), and Latino males (IRR = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.11, 1.38) between 2015 and 2021. Suicides decreased overall among White Chicagoans during this period. A significantly greater proportion of Black males than Black females died by suicide using a firearm (55.79% vs 24.05%; P < .001). Similar results were detected for Latino males and females (32.99% vs 9.09%; P = .001) and White males and females (30.10% vs 11.73%; P < .001). Conclusions. Black persons in Chicago were the only group to experience significant increases in suicide among both males and females from 2015 to 2021, although specific methods used varied by race/ethnicity and sex group. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(3):319-328. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307511).

Emerging Risk of Adolescent Depression and Suicide Detected Through Pediatric Primary Care Screening

OBJECTIVE

The goal of the current study was to document patterns of stability and change in adolescent depression and suicide risk detected via universal depression screening in pediatric primary care and to determine who may go on to experience emerging risk.

METHODS

Retrospective electronic health record information (sociodemographic data and depression screening results for 2 timepoints) was extracted for adolescents aged 12-17 who attended well-visits between November 15, 2017, and February 1, 2020, in a large pediatric primary care network. A total of 27,335 adolescents with 2 completed depression screeners were included in the current study.

RESULTS

While most adolescents remained at low risk for depression and suicide across the 2 timepoints, others experienced emerging risk (i.e., low risk at time 1 but elevated risk at time 2), decreasing risk (i.e., high risk at time 1 but low risk at time 2) or stable high risk for depression or suicide. Odds of experiencing emerging depression and suicide risk were higher among adolescents who were female (compared to males), Black (compared to White), and had Medicaid insurance (compared to private insurance). Odds of experiencing emerging depression risk were also higher among older adolescents (compared to younger adolescents) as well as adolescents who identified as Hispanic/Latino (compared to non-Hispanic/Latino).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings can inform symptom monitoring and opportunities for prevention in primary care.

Engaging Black youth in depression and suicide prevention treatment within urban schools: study protocol for a randomized controlled pilot

BACKGROUND

Depression continues to be an ongoing threat to adolescent well-being with Black adolescents being particularly vulnerable to greater burdens of depression as well as lower mental health service utilization. Black adolescents are likely to have untreated depression due to social network influences, varied perceptions of services and providers, or self-stigma associated with experiencing depressive symptoms. Furthermore, if or when treatment is initiated, low engagement and early termination are common. To address this gap, a trial is being conducted to preliminarily test the effectiveness of an engagement intervention targeting Black adolescents with depression in school mental health services in New York City.

METHODS

A total of 60 Black middle and high school adolescents displaying depressive symptoms are equally randomized (based on school site) to the treatment arms. Both trial arms deliver Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depressed Adolescents (IPT-A), a time-limited, evidence-based treatment for depression. Additionally, one arm pairs IPT-A with a brief, multi-level engagement intervention, the Making Connections Intervention (MCI), involving adolescents, caregivers, and clinicians. Outcomes of interest are group differences in depression and suicide ideation, adolescent and caregiver engagement, and mental health service use.

DISCUSSION

This trial will serve as an efficacy assessment of the MCI among a sample of Black adolescent students with depressive symptoms. Clinical and implementation results will be used to inform future research to further test the MCI intervention in a larger sample.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registered by ClinicalTrials.gov on May 3, 2019, identifier: NCT03940508.

Reducing suicidal ideation in African American adolescents: A randomized controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

Suicide rates among African American adolescents have increased exponentially in recent years. The socioecological stressors that can increase suicide risk for African American adolescents, in conjunction with unique suicide risk manifestations within this group, require culturally sensitive preventive interventions. This study examines the efficacy of the Adapted-Coping With Stress course (A-CWS), a culturally tailored preventive intervention, to reduce suicidal ideation in African American adolescents, utilizing a randomized controlled design.

METHOD

Participants included 410 ninth-grade students in a large Midwestern city; most students identified as Black/African American. Participants were randomly assigned to either the A-CWS intervention or standard care control condition. All participants were assessed at baseline, immediately postintervention, and 6 and 12 months postintervention.

RESULTS

Treatment effects were examined using latent growth models comparing suicidal ideation trajectories in control and intervention conditions. Analyses were conducted using both intention-to-treat and treatment-as-received samples (i.e., intervention condition participants who attended at least 80% of sessions). In both intention-to-treat and treatment-as-received analyses, there was a significant treatment effect: Individuals in the A-CWS intervention condition with higher baseline ideation evidenced a superior reduction in suicidal ideation over the course of the study, relative to their counterparts in the standard care control condition.

CONCLUSION

Findings indicate that the A-CWS preventive intervention is efficacious in reducing suicidal ideation among African American adolescents with higher levels of baseline suicidal ideation and that effects sustain over time, with the strongest effect evidenced 12 months postintervention. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Reasons for Suicide in Black Young Adults: A Latent Class Analysis

BACKGROUND

Suicides have increased among Black youth in the US, though it remains unclear if these trends persist into young adulthood. Further, even less is known about the reasons why individuals begin to consider suicide as a viable option. The current study aims to redress these gaps by identifying specific reasons for suicide among a sample of 264 Black young adults who reported experiencing suicidal thoughts within the past 2 weeks.

METHODS

Participants were recruited from an online panel. Reasons for suicide were measured using eight individual items/indicators. Latent class analysis was used to detect underlying patterns in Black young adults' reasons for considering suicide.

RESULTS

The most commonly reported reason for considering suicide among the entire sample was feeling hopeless about the future. Black women were more likely to report considering suicide because they could not live up to other's expectations and because they felt lonely and sad. Findings for the 3-class model were retained. The first class is described as the "Somewhat hopeless and other reasons" class (n = 85; 32%). The second class is "Accomplished but extremely lonely and sad" (n = 24; 9%). The third class is described as "Pronounced feelings of failure, hopelessness, being overwhelmed, and lack of accomplishment" and includes 59% of the sample (n = 155).

CONCLUSIONS

Culturally grounded clinical treatments and interventions are needed to meet the specific mental health needs of Black young adults. A particular focus on identifying factors that drive feelings of hopelessness and failure is warranted.

Suicide and Suicide Risk in Adolescents

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 10- to 24-year-olds in the United States and is a global public health issue, with a recent declaration of a National State of Emergency in Children's Mental Health by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Children's Hospital Association. This clinical report is an update to the previous American Academy of Pediatrics clinical report, "Suicide and Suicide Attempts in Adolescents." Because pediatricians and pediatric health care providers are at the front line of care for adolescents amid a child and adolescent mental health crisis, and because of the chronic and severe shortage of mental health specialists, it is important that pediatric health care providers become facile with recognizing risk factors associated with suicidality and at-risk populations, screening and further assessment of suicidality as indicated, and evidence-based interventions for patients with suicidal ideation and associated behaviors. Suicide risk can be mitigated by appropriate screening, bolstering of protective factors, indicated treatment, community resources, and referrals to mental health providers when available.

Discriminatory Experiences Among Black Youth: How Encounters and Expectations Explain Emotional Well-Being

Research suggests that encounters with racism are related to depression in Black youth. However, less is known about how experienced racial discrimination can influence other aspects of well-being among Black youth including their socio-emotional development and behavior. In addition, emerging literature highlights the critical ways anticipated racial discrimination may impact the emotional well-being of Black youth. To address these gaps, the current study assessed whether experienced discrimination was associated with higher levels of internalizing problems (anxiety/depression, suicidal thoughts) and lower levels of socio-emotional development (emotion regulation, prosocial behavior). We then tested whether expected discrimination contributed to similar patterns. Lastly, this study examined how age and gender moderated this relationship. Across eight schools in three communities, 1435 Black youth (56.57% female; 56.40% 10th grade) in 10th and 12th grades responded to the Youth Experience Survey. Using a series of hierarchical linear and hierarchical binary logistic regressions, results found that those who experienced racial discrimination and expected discrimination demonstrated higher internalizing problems and lower socio-emotional development; however, expected discrimination often accounted for more variance than experienced. These findings suggest the multifaceted influence both experienced and expected racial discrimination have on the well-being of Black youth and can provide important insights to community prevention systems.

The intersection of race, ethnicity, and gender and the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

The prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors across distinct intersections of race/ethnicity and gender among adolescents remains understudied. The current study seeks to address this important gap in suicide scholarship using a statewide representative sample of U.S. Florida middle school and high school adolescents. Data drawn from the 2022 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS) (N = 41,764) were analyzed to examine disparities in suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts among 26 racial/ethnic and gender subgroups of middle school and high school aged adolescents. Survey-weighted prevalence estimates for both suicidality outcomes were generated, and binary contrasts were used to assess the statistical significance of the differences in the probabilities between members of each subgroup and youth belonging to all other subgroups. Our results indicate that the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and attempts was highly gendered and varied according to racial/ethnic subgroups. Native American girls reported more suicidal thoughts (49.9%) and attempts (16.5%) in the past 12 months than any race/gender group. Other racial/ethnic and gender groups that reported particularly high rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts were West Indian/Caribbean female adolescents (48.8% and 13.4%, respectively), Puerto Rican female adolescents (48.5% and 14.7%, respectively), and Black/non-Hispanic female adolescents (19.9% and 15.6%, respectively). Because certain gender and race/ethnic subgroups are at an increased risk for suicidality, more research is needed to better understand the risk and protective factors to determine which suicide prevention strategies might best serve each group.

Propelling the Global Advancement of School Mental Health

Rates of mental health problems and disorders in children and youth have been increasing for at least three decades, and these have escalated due to the pandemic and multiple other societal stressors. It is increasingly recognized that students and families frequently struggle to receive needed care through traditional locations such as specialty mental health centers. Upstream mental health promotion and prevention strategies are gaining support as a public health approach to supporting overall population well-being, better utilizing a limited specialty workforce, and reducing illness. Based on these recognitions, there has been a progressive and escalating movement toward the delivery of mental health support to children and youth "where they are," with a prominent and more ecologically valid environment being schools. This paper will provide a brief review of the escalating mental health needs of children and youth, advantages of school mental health (SMH) programs in better meeting these needs, example model SMH programs from the United States and Canada, and national and international SMH centers/networks. We conclude with strategies for further propelling the global advancement of the SMH field through interconnected practice, policy, and research.

Relationship between suicide ideation and attempts, bully victimization, dating violence, and depressive symptoms among Black and Hispanic youth

BACKGROUND

Suicide rates among Black and Hispanic youth have been increasing over the past decade in the United States. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for suicide ideation and attempt among Black and Hispanic youth in the United States using intersectionality theory and minority stress theory as a framework.

METHODS

Data from the CDC Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS; 2015-2019) were analyzed and delimited to include only Black and Hispanic youth.

RESULTS

About 37% of the subsample identified as Black and 63% of the subsample identified as Hispanic; mean age was 16 years (SE = 0.02). Weighted multivariate logistic regressions were used to explore associations between suicide ideation and attempt, depressive symptoms, bullying, dating violence, and being threatened with a weapon. Black and Hispanic youth who had depressive symptoms, experienced bullying, dating violence, or threatened with a weapon all had increased odds of having suicide ideation and suicide attempt. Hispanic youth had the higher odds of suicide ideation and attempt than Black youth. Girls in the study also had elevated odds of suicide ideation.

CONCLUSION

This study adds to the literature on risk factors of suicide in Black and Hispanic youth and bringing to awareness the gender disparities in suicide ideation and attempt among youth.

Investigating the co-occurrence of marijuana use and prescription opioid misuse with multiple suicide attempts among adolescents with a history of suicidal ideation

This study investigated the co-occurrent association of marijuana use and prescription opioid misuse with multiple suicide attempts among adolescents with a history of suicidal ideation. Data came from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The sample was comprised of adolescents ages 14-18 who reported suicidal ideation during the past year (n = 2,562). Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the co-occurring association of marijuana use and prescription opioid misuse with multiple suicide attempts. Of the 2,562 adolescents who experienced suicidal ideation, 19.2 % also attempted suicide multiple times during the past year and 19.0 % reported ever using marijuana and misusing prescription opioids, 8.8 % misused prescription opioids only, and 33.3 % used marijuana only. In the multivariate model, for adolescents who used marijuana and misused prescription opioid, the risk of attempting suicide once was 1.77 times higher (RRR = 1.77, 95 % CI = 1.22-2.59) and the risk of multiple suicide attempts was 3.23 times higher (RRR = 3.23, 95 % CI = 1.95-5.33) when compared to adolescents who had never used marijuana nor misused prescription opioid. The risk of multiple suicide attempts was greater for bisexual and racial/ethnic minority adolescents and adolescents who felt sad or hopeless. Interventions that prevent prescription opioid misuse among adolescents may be effective in mitigating suicide attempts.

Cannabis use disorder, suicide attempts, and self-harm among adolescents: A national inpatient study across the United States

BACKGROUND

Suicide is among the top three causes of adolescent mortality. There is a scarcity of research examining cannabis use and suicidal behavior in adolescents.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the association between cannabis use disorder (CUD) and suicide attempt/self-harm in a hospitalized sample of adolescents.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional observation study using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample collected over four years from January 1, 2016, through December 31, 2019. We included adolescents aged 10-19 hospitalized during the above period (N = 807,105). The primary outcome was suicide attempt/self-harm and the main predictor was CUD. The International Classification of Diseases Tenth Revision (ICD 10) diagnostic codes was used to identify a diagnosis of CUD, suicide attempt/self-harm, and other diagnoses included in the analyses. Adolescents diagnosed with CUD (n = 53,751) were compared to adolescents without CUD (n = 753,354). Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to determine the association between CUD and suicide attempts/self-harm.

RESULTS

807,105 adolescent hospitalizations were analyzed, of which 6.9% had CUD. Adolescents with CUD were more likely to be older (17 years vs. 15 years), female (52% vs. 48%), have depression (44% vs. 17%), anxiety (32% vs. 13%), an eating disorder (1.9% vs. 1.2%), ADHD (16.3% vs. 9.1%), Conduct Disorder (4.1% vs. 1.3%), Alcohol Use Disorder (11.9% vs. 0.8%), Nicotine Use Disorder (31.1% vs. 4.1%), Cocaine Use Disorder (5.4% vs. 0.2%), Stimulant Use Disorder (0.8% vs. 0.4%) and report suicide attempts/self-harm (2.8% vs. 0.9%) [all ps<0.001]. After adjusting for potential confounders, CUD was associated with a higher risk of suicide attempts/self-harm (OR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.3-1.6, p <0.001). Post-hoc analyses showed the presence of depression moderated the association between CUD and suicide attempts/self-harm in that adolescents with CUD and depression had 2.4 times the odds of suicide attempt/self-harm compared to those with CUD but no depression after controlling for potential confounders (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides evidence for the association between CUD and suicide risk among hospitalized adolescents and underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing co-occurring mental and substance use disorders along with CUD to mitigate suicide risk. Identifying high-risk adolescents in inpatient settings provides an opportunity for intervention.

Investigating the Role of Suicidality and Ethnic Identity among Black Adolescents: A Latent Profile Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Suicide among Black adolescent youth has steadily increased in recent years, yet few studies describe how facets of social identity shape suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) during this critical stage of development. Ethnic identity represents an underexplored, yet important element of social identity among Black youth that may contribute to differential associations with STBs. This study examined the association between ethnic identity and self-reported suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts.

METHODS

Data were drawn from 1,170 African American (n = 810) and Caribbean Black (n = 368) adolescents aged 13-17 (Mean age = 15) that participated in the National Survey of American Life Adolescent supplement study.

RESULTS

Using latent profile analyses, three patterns of ethnic identity were identified: Undifferentiated, Low Ethnic Identification, and Alienated. Caribbean Black adolescents were more likely to be in the Low Ethnic Identification class relative to the Undifferentiated class. Adolescents in the Undifferentiated group reported higher proportions of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts compared to the remaining latent profile groups.

CONCLUSION

Findings demonstrate that ethnic identity is an important aspect of social identity that can influence STBs among Black adolescents. Considering increased suicide attempts and death rates among Black youth, findings underscore the importance of examining culturally relevant developmental processes that may shape suicidal beliefs and behaviors.

Severity and Transition of Suicidal Behaviors in Childhood: Sex, Racial, and Ethnic Differences in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study

PURPOSE

To examine the prevalence, incidence, and transitions of suicide ideation and attempts and sex and racial/ethnic differences among children enrolled in three yearly assessments of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study. The forms of suicidal ideation (SI) (no SI, passive, nonspecific active, and active) among those who attempted suicide were also described.

METHODS

A subsample of 9,923 children (9-10 years old at baseline, 48.6% female) completed the KSADS-5 questions about suicide ideation and attempts in three yearly assessment (83.5% of baseline sample).

RESULTS

Almost 18% of the children reported suicidal ideation and 2.2% a suicide attempt at one of the three assessments. Passive (6.9%) and nonspecific active (6.4%) were the most frequent forms of suicidal ideation reported. Of the children with suicidal ideation at baseline, 5.9% first attempted suicide in the two subsequent years. Boys (vs. girls) reported more suicidal ideation at baseline. Black children (vs. White and Hispanic/Latinx) and girls (vs. boys) were more likely to start thinking about suicide over time. Black children (vs. White) reported more suicide attempts at baseline and across assessments. More than half of the children who attempted suicide at any assessment reported nonspecific active suicidal ideation (desire to kill oneself without plan/intent/method) as the most severe form of ideation.

DISCUSSION

Findings suggest a high prevalence of suicidal ideation among children in the US. When conducting risk assessments, clinicians should consider both active and nonspecific active suicidal ideation. Early intervention with children who are thinking about suicide may reduce their risk for attempting suicide.

Exploring Service Use Disparities among Suicidal Black Youth in a Suicide Prevention Care Coordination Intervention

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to examine service utilization disparities among Black youth participating in Linking Individuals Needing Care (LINC), a 90-day research-informed suicide care coordination intervention.

METHODS

An open trial pilot was conducted to examine the effectiveness of LINC in increasing access to and engagement in mental health and non-mental health services among suicidal youth (N = 587). Other variables of interest included service use facilitators and service use barriers. Generalized linear mixed models with binomial distribution and logit link were performed to ascertain if service use facilitators and barriers were associated with service utilization and if disparities in service use and engagement existed between Black and White suicidal youth through a comparative analysis.

RESULTS

Service utilization differences were found between Black and White youth. While Black and White youth were both likely to engage in individual therapy (OR = 1.398, p < .001) and non-mental health services (OR = 1.289, p < .001), utilization rates for mental health and medication management services were lower for Black (55.1% to 60.6%) youth compared to White (66.0% to 71.0%) youth. Specifically, Black youth were significantly less likely than Whites to receive medication management (OR = .466, p = .002). Systemic barriers such long waitlists for care (OR = 1.860, p = .039) and poor relationship with providers (OR = 7.680, p = .028) increased odds of engagement in non-mental health services. Clinical disorders and engagement in suicide-related behaviors increased the likelihood of obtaining care from both medication management and non-mental health services.

CONCLUSION

Care coordination services for suicidal youth can increase access and engagement in mental health and non-mental health services. Culturally adapted models attending to cultural and social assets of Black families are needed to reduce disparities and suicide risk among Black youth.

An intergenerational examination of retrospective and current depression patterns among Black families

BACKGROUND

There is limited information regarding the intergenerational transmission of mental health among three generations (i.e., grandparents, parents, and children) of Black families. Given that intergenerational and kinship ties are integral in Black families, this study explores the context that might contribute to the generational transmission of mental health among Black families.

METHODS

The present study examined the retrospective family history of mental health among fathers and mothers, current reports of their depression, and their children's internalizing and depressive symptoms among a sample of 2530 Black families from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study using waves 4 to 6. All analyses were conducted using STATA 15.1.

RESULTS

Focal children's maternal and paternal grandparents' history of mental health was associated with higher odds of depression in their mothers and fathers; in addition, child-internalizing symptoms were associated with a report of depression in maternal grandparents in waves 4 and 5. Children of mothers who were depressed had higher internalizing scores in waves 4, 5, and 6.

LIMITATIONS

This descriptive study did not account for how parenting might also be protective against childhood internalizing behaviors. A retrospective account may not fully encapsulate a complete understanding of mental health patterns.

CONCLUSIONS

In treating the mental and behavioral health of Black families, it is essential to focus on multiple generations of family health, given that family history is the strongest predictor of the youth's onset of depression. The utility of these findings in understanding psychological distress and strengths among Black families is discussed.

Sexual Assault, Posttraumatic Stress, Alcohol Use, and Suicidality Among Diverse College Students

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college-aged populations. This study examined the association of demographics (sexual orientation, gender identity, age, and race), sexual assault, posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), and alcohol use with suicidality, current urge to self-harm, and current suicidal intent among a diverse sample of college students (n = 2,160) from two universities. Over half of participants reported any suicidality (63.5%), 12% reported current urge to harm themselves, and 5% reported current suicidal intent. A linear regression indicated that participants who identified as a sexual minority, gender minority, consumed more drinks per week, and had more severe PTSS reported higher levels of suicidality. University also was associated with suicidality. A negative binomial regression demonstrated that participants who identified as a sexual minority and had more severe PTSS had more current urge to harm themselves. Further, a negative binomial regression demonstrated that first-generation college students, students with more severe sexual assault histories, and students with more severe PTSS had higher current suicidal intent. Findings suggest that risk factors may differ for college students' general suicidality, self-harm urges, and suicidal intent, suggesting that these may be separate constructs. More comprehensive models, incorporating multiple risk factors and multiple ways of assessing suicidality, are needed to better understand the range of college student suicidal behavior and risks.

Racial/ethnic differences in adolescents' non-response to suicide attempt: Findings from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2015-2019

Racial/ethnic minority adolescents are at greater risk of attempting suicide compared to their White counterparts. Yet, racial/ethnic minority adolescents are more likely to not respond to questions on suicidal behaviors. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between race/ethnicity and missing response to suicide attempt among adolescents in the United States. Data for this study were obtained the 2015-2019 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey (n = 40,360). The outcome variable investigated in this study was missing response to suicide attempt and the main explanatory variable was race/ethnicity. Two hierarchical binary logistic regression models were fitted to examine the association between race/ethnicity and missing response to suicide attempt. Of the 40,036 adolescents, 13.4% had missing response to suicide attempt. Controlling for the effects of demographic factors and symptoms of depression, adolescents who self-identified as non-Hispanic Black had more than threefold higher odds of having missing response to suicide attempt when compared to their non-Hispanic White counterparts (AOR = 3.62, p < .001, 95% CI = 2.45-5.34). Adolescent males and adolescents questioning their sexual identity had higher odds of having missing response to suicide attempt. Adolescents with depressive symptoms had lower odds of having missing response to suicide attempt. Missing response to suicide attempt among adolescents continues to differ by race/ethnicity and other demographic factors. The use of a single item in assessing suicide attempt history may be inadequate in capturing national estimates of adolescent suicide metrics.

The role of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness in passive suicide ideation among Latinx and Black youth

INTRODUCTION

The interpersonal theory of suicide (IPTS) is used to evaluate suicide risk. Yet, it has not been sufficiently tested with ethnoracially minoritized youth. This study aimed to test whether thwarted belongingness (TB) and perceived burdensomeness (PB) were associated with passive suicide ideation (SI) among Latinx and Black youth.

METHODS

Data were obtained from a cross-sectional study. Some youth participants were recruited from an ongoing NIMH study of depressed Black youth in schools (N = 20). The rest were participants in a supplemental study of non-depressed Latinx and Black youth in community agencies (N = 61). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between passive SI and the IPTS constructs.

RESULTS

Most participants identified as male (63.5%) and Latinx (59.5%), mean age 15.23 (SD = 1.4). Only TB remained significant when adjusting for age and gender, even after adding a measure of depression symptoms as a covariate. Notably, the interaction term (TBXPB) was not significantly associated with increased odds of passive SI in this sample.

CONCLUSION

These findings confirm the importance of examining the IPTS constructs and their relationship to passive SI in diverse populations. The relationship between TB and SI in Latinx and Black youth suggests it may be an important target for suicide prevention.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: International Prevalence of Suicidal Ideation and Attempt in Youth

OBJECTIVE

Globally, rates of youth suicide vary considerably. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) are consistently associated with risk of death by suicide. However, international trends in STB have not yet been compared. To address this gap, an international meta-analysis of epidemiological and school-based studies that report on STB in youth was conducted.

METHOD

Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed and PsycINFO through April 2022. Eligible studies included prevalence of active suicidal ideation (SI) or suicide attempts (SA) in community youth younger than age 22. All studies were coded by 2 authors. Mixed models accounting for shared methods and including hypothesized moderators were conducted using the metafor package in R.

RESULTS

There were 371 effect sizes for SI, 94 for SI with a plan, and 316 for SA, representing 149 regions. Year of data collection ranged from 1981 to 2021. Participants were 6 to 21 years old. The prevalence of SI ranged across regions from 14.3% to 22.6%; the prevalence of SA ranged from 4.6% to 15.8%. Year was not associated with increasing STB prevalence except for studies from the United States, which showed increasing rates of SI and SA since 2007.

CONCLUSION

This is the most comprehensive meta-analysis of STB in youth, providing valuable data about how risk factors most commonly associated with suicide vary internationally and over time. International rates of STB among youth are not improving and may be getting worse in the United States, despite efforts to reduce suicide risk. Most studies did not report rates of SI or SA separately for LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and others) youth and youth of color. A better understanding of proximal risk at the individual level will be important to informing future prevention efforts, especially for high-risk groups.

The Management of Children and Youth With Pediatric Mental and Behavioral Health Emergencies

Mental and behavioral health (MBH) visits of children and youth to emergency departments are increasing in the United States. Reasons for these visits range from suicidal ideation, self-harm, and eating and substance use disorders to behavioral outbursts, aggression, and psychosis. Despite the increase in prevalence of these conditions, the capacity of the health care system to screen, diagnose, and manage these patients continues to decline. Several social determinants also contribute to great disparities in child and adolescent (youth) health, which affect MBH outcomes. In addition, resources and space for emergency physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and prehospital practitioners to manage these patients remain limited and inconsistent throughout the United States, as is financial compensation and payment for such services. This technical report discusses the role of physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners, and provides guidance for the management of acute MBH emergencies in children and youth. Unintentional ingestions and substance use disorder are not within the scope of this report and are not specifically discussed.

Racial and ethnic differences in suicidal behavior and mental health service use among US adults, 2009-2020

BACKGROUND

While suicide rates have recently declined for White individuals, rates among Black and Hispanic individuals have increased. Yet, little is known about racial/ethnic differences in precursors to suicide, including suicidal ideation (SI) and suicide attempts (SA).

METHODS

Data from 2009-2020 National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) consisted of non-institutionalized US civilians aged ⩾18 (n = 426 008). We compared proportions of White, Black, and Hispanics among adults reporting no past-year suicidal thoughts/behavior, SI, and SA. Multivariable-adjusted analyses were used to evaluate the independence of observed racial/ethnic differences in past-year SI, SA, and mental health service use.

RESULTS

In the entire sample, 20 791 (4.9%) reported past-year SI only and 3661 (0.9%) reported a SA. Compared to White individuals, Black and Hispanic individuals were significantly less likely to report past-year SI [OR 0.73 (95% CI 0.69-0.77); OR 0.75 (95% CI 0.71-0.79), respectively], but more likely to report a past-year SA [OR 1.45 (95% CI 1.28-1.64); OR 1.19 (95% CI 1.04-1.37), respectively] even after multivariable adjustment. Black and Hispanic individuals were significantly less likely to use mental health services, but the lack of significant interactions between race/ethnicity and SI/SA in association with service use suggests differences in service use do not account for differences in SI or SA.

CONCLUSIONS

Black and Hispanic individuals are significantly less likely than White individuals to report SI but more likely to report SAs, suggesting differences in suicidal behavior across race/ethnicity that may be impacted by socio-culturally acceptable expressions of distress and structural racism in the healthcare system.