Increase In Suicides Research Articles

Association of Changes in Missouri Firearm Laws With Adolescent and Young Adult Suicides by Firearms

Suicide by firearm is a major cause of mortality in young Missouri residents. Changes in statewide firearm policy may have contributed to changes in suicide rates. To evaluate if changes in Missouri permit-to-purchase (PTP) and concealed carry firearm laws were associated with changes in rates of suicide by firearms in young Missouri residents. This cross-sectional study examined rates of suicide by firearm in Missouri among adolescents (ages 14-18 years) and young adults (ages 19-24 years) from January 1999 to December 2018, following changes to state PTP and concealed carry law, in comparison with a donor state pool with existing firearm laws (13 states in PTP pool; 42 states in concealed carry pool) that did not make changes during this period. This study used a quasiexperimental, synthetic control design at the state level that defined Missouri as the treated state and treatment as changes in firearm laws. Legislative changes to Missouri's PTP and concealed carry firearm laws. Age-adjusted annual rates of firearm-related suicide mortality per 100 000 people for adolescents (aged 14-18 years) and young adults (aged 19-24 years). Repeal of the PTP law was associated with a 21.8% increase in firearm suicide rates in young adults aged 19 to 24 years in Missouri. Lowering the minimum age of concealed carry to 19 years in Missouri was associated with a 32.0% increase in firearm suicide rates and a 29.7% increase in nonfirearm suicide rates in adolescents aged 14 to 18 years, and a 7.2% increase in firearm suicide rates in young adults aged 19 to 24 years. Increases in rates of suicide by firearms in adolescents and young adults were seen following repeal of Missouri's PTP law and lowering of the minimum age for concealed carry in 2014. Changes in Missouri's firearm policies may be an important contributor to rates of suicide by firearm in young Missouri residents.

Unemployment, global economic crises and suicides: evidence from 21 OECD countries

ABSTRACT This study explores age- and gender-specific suicide mortality due to unemployment and economic crises, for 21 OECD countries over the period 1960 to 2011. The findings indicate that a higher unemployment rate leads to an increase in suicides in almost all age groups. Further, using dataset on economic/financial crisis events, results show that, in general, these crises increase suicide rates. However, the evidence also shows that economic crises have no effect on those in the 45 to 64 years age group in terms of suicides. Further, we assessed whether suicide mortality can be attributed to a ‘crisis effect’ beyond that of unemployment. For males, we found a significant joint effect between crises and unemployment. Finally, we investigated the possible nonlinear threshold response of suicides to unemployment. We found that suicides among young males (<45 years) are due to marked increases in unemployment in association with global economic crises.

Employment and suicidal rates during economic recession: A country-targeted integrative review.

The economic crisis' effects on suicide rates for countries undergoing or exiting austerity measures have been widely debated. This integrative review aimed to identify, appraise, and synthesize available evidence of employment status effect on suicide mortality rates in Greece during the recent economic recession period. A literature review of studies evaluating suicides in the general Greek population, as well as across age and gender groups, in relation to employment during the economic crisis period was performed. PubMed electronic database was searched for relevant articles published in English or Greek language from 2009 up to February 2020. Appraisal was carried out based on the Hierarchy of Evidence Rating System and the GRADE guidelines. A total of 24 articles met all inclusion criteria with 20 of them at level IV, 2 at level VII, and 2 at level VIII. A total of 18 studies reported increase of suicide rates during the economic recession period. About 12 studies examined the co-relation between unemployment and suicide rate, with ten studies showing a positive correlation. Moreover, thirteen studies reported data on the effect of gender and age variables on suicide rates. Evidence shows that suicide mortality rates in Greece increased after the eruption of economic recession, particularly after the implementation of radical austerity measures (2011-2014). This increase was positively correlated with unemployment and was more prominent among males of working age. Further in depth epidemiological research of regional variations in terms of profile and contributing or enabling factors of suicidal behavior is needed.

Association between homicide rates and suicide rates: a countrywide longitudinal analysis of 5507 Brazilian municipalities

ObjectiveTo estimate the association between homicide and suicide rates in Brazilian municipalities over a period of 7 years.DesignWe conducted a longitudinal ecological study using annual mortality data from 5507 Brazilian...

Emotional, Functional, and Physiological Correlates of Opioid Dose Reduction in a Chronic Pain Population

In an effort to combat the opioid epidemic the CDC has recommended limiting Morphine Equivalent Dosing to no more than 90 mg per day. Several authors note increased suicide rates concurrent with opioid dose reduction.

The Impact of Infectious Disease-Related Public Health Emergencies on Suicide, Suicidal Behavior, and Suicidal Thoughts.

. Background: Infectious disease-related public health emergencies (epidemics) may increase suicide risk, and high-quality evidence is needed to guide an international response. Aims: We investigated the potential impacts of epidemics on suicide-related outcomes. Method: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, PsyArXiv, medRxiv, and bioRxiv from inception to May 13–16, 2020. Inclusion criteria: primary studies, reviews, and meta-analyses; reporting the impact of epidemics; with a primary outcome of suicide, suicidal behavior, suicidal ideation, and/or self-harm. Exclusion criteria: not concerned with suicide-related outcomes; not suitable for data extraction. PROSPERO registration: #CRD42020187013. Results: Eight primary papers were included, examining the effects of five epidemics on suicide-related outcomes. There was evidence of increased suicide rates among older adults during SARS and in the year following the epidemic (possibly motivated by social disconnectedness, fears of virus infection, and concern about burdening others) and associations between SARS/Ebola exposure and increased suicide attempts. A preprint study reported associations between COVID-19 distress and past-month suicidal ideation. Limitations: Few studies have investigated the topic; these are of relatively low methodological quality. Conclusion: Findings support an association between previous epidemics and increased risk of suicide-related outcomes. Research is needed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on suicide outcomes.

The Impact of Natural Disasters on Suicide in the United States, 2003-2015.

Background: Natural disasters are increasing in frequency and severity and impacted populations develop mental health conditions at higher rates than those not impacted. Aims: In this study, we investigate the association between exposure to a major natural disaster and suicide in the US. Method: Using county-level data on disaster declarations, mortality files, and population data, suicide rates were estimated for three 12-month periods before and after the disaster. Pooled rates were estimated predisaster and compared with postdisaster suicide rates using Poisson-generated Z tests and 95% confidence intervals. Results: A total of 281 major disasters were included. The suicide rate increased for each type of disaster and across all disasters in the first 2 years of follow-up. The largest overall increases in suicide rates were seen 2 years postdisaster. Limitations: Limitations include the ecologic study design, county-level exposure, and low power. Conclusion: Increases in county-level suicide rates after disasters were not statistically significant, although there was evidence that increases were delayed until 2 years postdisaster. Additional studies are needed to improve understanding of nonfatal suicide attempts after disasters and the role elevated social support plays in suicide prevention postdisaster. Future studies should consider pre-existing mental health, secondary stressors, and proximity to hazards.

Suicide in the Time of COVID-19: Review and Recommendations

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic presents us with unusual challenges to the global health system and economics. The pandemic may not have an immediate impact on suicide rates, however, given that it is likely to result in a confluence of risk factors for suicide and economic crisis, it is highly possibly that it will lead to increases in suicide rates in the long-run. Elderly persons are more likely to live alone, be socially isolated during COVID-19 and have physical health problems, which are risk factors for suicide. Young children and health professionals may also be population at risk. Isolation, quarantine and the economic crisis that follows may impact mental health significantly. The International Academy of Suicide Research (IASR) is an organization dedicated to promote high standards of research and scholarship in the field of suicidal behaviour to support efforts to prevent suicide globally. This IASR’s board position paper gives recommendations for suicide research during the COVID-10 pandemic. Clinical research has to be modified due to COVID-19 shutdown.

CHANGING FACE OF SUICIDAL BEHAVIORS AND SUICIDE

Underrepresented minority youths and girls are experiencing rising rates of suicide. Research published in 2018 revealed that suicide rates among Black boys under 13 years old were 2 times higher than comparable White children. Rates of suicide in girls aged 10-14 years tripled between 1999 and 2014. Despite improved recognition, evidence-based prevention programs at schools, and effective interventions for suicidal youth, rates of suicide continue to increase. The United States has seen a 33% increase in youth suicide rates between 1999 and 2014, and suicide remains the second leading cause of death for youth aged 10-19 years. Furthermore, data reported by the CDC suggests that suicidal thoughts are prevalent among asymptomatic, nonreferred youths. Historically, suicide rates have been higher for White male adolescents over 13 years of age. New data challenges these assumptions about suicide attempters and completers. Research focused on suicide among these newly identified at-risk populations is scant, and it is now an area of increasing research focus.

New Opportunities to Improve Mental Health Crisis Systems.

National, state, and local actors seem ready to address the long-neglected mental health crisis system in the United States. Elements of an organized system of crisis care are in place in some states, including regional or statewide call centers, mobile crisis teams, and crisis care facilities. These necessary advances are not sufficient to address the urgent problems of increasing suicide rates, the inappropriate use of emergency departments to hold people in psychiatric distress, and the problematic reliance on inadequately trained law enforcement who frequently respond to mental health crises. This article describes the immediate challenges and opportunities that can launch nationwide reform in systems of care for individuals in psychiatric crisis. Five action recommendations describe clear, feasible next steps that can be taken to move these systems forward and meaningfully improve access and quality of care for people in crisis. The recommendations include a central coordinating role for Congress, an increase in federal authorization and appropriation of funds, enactment of a 5% Mental Health Block Grant set-aside, expanded funding for research and evaluation, and the pursuit of additional payment mechanisms by states and counties.

Sociological Analysis of Suicide among Female: A Study of Nangarparkar, District Tharparker, Sindh

This research examines the increasing trend of committing suicide in Nangarparkar and its causes. Explanatory research is conducted to find out the causes and trends of increasing suicide rate among female of Taluka Nangarparkar, District Tharparkar, Sindh. Data is collected from twenty respondents which were selected by a purposive sampling method. Data is analyzed in SPSS version 24 and presented in tables and pie charts. The study found that majority of those who committed suicide was between the age group 15-25 years and were mostly illiterate .Marital status shows no significant difference. Majority of female were housewives who committed or attempted suicide. Head of the family was the father. Basic needs were not satisfied and had normal relations with family. 50% of respondents were not free with their family members and their nature was emotional. 55% female committed suicide due to domestic violence. Hanging and poisoning were common methods of committing suicide.

Anticipated consequences as the primary causes of suicidal behavior: Evidence from a laboratory study

Due to the limitations of conducting experimental studies on suicide, little is known about its causes. Based on basic behavioral research, we hypothesized that the anticipated consequences of suicidal behavior (e.g., stress relief) are the primary causes of suicidal behavior, and experienced antecedents (e.g., stress) are secondary causes. We evaluated this general hypothesis by testing the causal effects of these two broad phenomena on virtual reality (VR) suicide in 497 participants across five groups. On their own, experienced antecedent manipulations (i.e., stress and rejection) did not significantly increase VR suicide rates relative to the control group. On its own, the anticipated consequence manipulation (i.e., instruction that engaging in VR suicide would allow one to avoid a future stressor) caused a large increase in the VR suicide rate. In the context of an experienced antecedent manipulation (i.e., stress), this anticipated consequence manipulation caused an even larger increase in the VR suicide rate. These findings suggest that the anticipated consequences of suicidal behavior (e.g., avoidance or escape from something unpleasant, attaining something pleasant) are the primary causes of suicidal behavior, and that experienced antecedents (e.g., stress) serve as secondary causes when they make an anticipated consequence of suicidal behavior seem more appealing.

Examining Spatial Association of Air Pollution and Suicide Rate Using Spatial Regression Models

Air pollution can have adverse impacts on both the physical health and mental health of people. Increasing air pollution levels are likely to increase suicide rates, although the causal mechanisms underlying the relationship between pollution exposure and suicidal behaviour are not well understood. In this study, we aimed to further examine the spatial association of air pollution and suicidal behaviour. Specifically, we investigated whether or how PM2.5 levels are spatially associated with the adult suicide rates at the district level across London. As the data used are geospatial data, we used two newly developed specifications of spatial regression models to investigate the spatial association of PM2.5 levels and suicide. The empirical results show that PM2.5 levels are spatially associated with the suicide rates across London. The two models show that PM2.5 levels have a positive association with adult suicide rates over space. An area with a high percentage of White people or a low median household income is likely to suffer from a high suicide rate.

The effect of assisted dying on suicidality: a synthetic control analysis of population suicide rates in Belgium.

Adoption of assisted dying has rapidly grown, but many groups caution that these policies can cause suicide contagions. If those urging caution are correct, jurisdictions with these policies will experience increased suicides. This study aimed to determine the changes in population suicide rates in Belgium before and after its 2002 policy using the synthetic control method (SCM) and generalized synthetic control method (GSCM). As comparisons we used additional European Union members that have not adopted these policies. GSCM showed an average annual suicide rate increase of 0.73 per 100,000 population (95% CI -5.7 to 7.2; p = 0.80). Placebo testing based on the SCM analysis showed equal outcomes for Belgium and the comparisons. This study failed to show evidence of association between implementation of legislation legitimizing assisted dying and population suicide rates. The threat of suicide contagion has influenced policy discussions in the past, but this study suggests that there is presently no indication for policy-makers to view suicide contagions as a concerning side effect of assisted dying legislation.

DO STOCK MARKET FLUCTUATIONS AFFECT SUICIDE RATES?

AbstractIn this study, we extend the standard economic model of suicide by considering a new influential factor driving the voluntary death rate. Using an international sample, we estimate the model and document a robust and significant inverse relation between stock market returns and the percentage increase in suicide rates. Trends in male and female suicide are affected by market fluctuations, both contemporaneously and at a lag. This predictive quality of stock returns offers the potential to implement pro‐active suicide prevention strategies for those who could be affected by the vagaries of the market and general economic downturns.

Suicidality and the Vagaries of the Stock Market

In this study, we extend the standard economic model of suicide by considering a new influential factor driving the voluntary death rate. Using an international sample, we estimate the model and document a robust and significant inverse relationship between stock market returns and the percentage increase in suicide rates. Trends in male and female suicide are affected by market fluctuations both contemporaneously and at a lag. This predictive quality of stock returns offers the potential to implement pro-active suicide prevention strategies for those who could be affected by the vagaries of the market and general economic downturns.

The quality of online media reporting of celebrity suicide in India and its association with subsequent online suicide-related search behaviour among general population: An infodemiology study.

The literature reports increased suicide rates among general population in the weeks following the celebrity suicide, known as the Werther effect. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed guidelines for responsible media reporting of suicide. The present study aimed to assess the quality of online media reporting of a recent celebrity suicide in India and its impact on the online suicide related search behaviour of the population. A total of 200 online media reports about Sushant Singh Rajput's suicide published between 14th to 20th June 2020 were assessed for quality of reporting following the checklist prepared using the WHO guidelines. Further, we examined the change in online suicide-seeking and help-seeking search behaviour of the population following celebrity suicide for the month of June using selected keywords. In terms of potentially harmful media reportage, 85.5 % of online reports violated at least one WHO media reporting guideline. In terms of potentially helpful media reportage, only 13 % articles provided information about where to seek help for suicidal thoughts or ideation. There was a significant increase in online suicide-seeking (U = 0.5, p < 0.05) and help-seeking (U = 6.5, p < 0.05) behaviour after the reference event, when compared to baseline. However, the online peak search interest for suicide-seeking was greater than help-seeking. This provides support for a strong Werther effect, possibly associated with poor quality of media reporting of celebrity suicide. There is an urgent need for taking steps to improve the quality of media reporting of suicide in India.

Increases of suicide rates in Kansas: results from 2009-2018

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the increase in suicide rates for Kansas residents, as well as quantify the difference in suicide rates between men and women across the State of Kansas.Design/methodology/approachTo evaluate increases in suicide rates, a joinpoint regression analysis was conducted to calculate the annual percentage change in suicide rates. To evaluate differences between sex characteristics, a one-way analysis of variance was conducted.FindingsResults of a joinpoint regression analysis found that the annual percentage change in the suicide rates of Kansas did increase significantly between 2009 and 2018. Furthermore, the rate of suicide increase among women was greater than the suicide rate increases of men.Originality/valueThe value of this study provides context to the suicide literature that could allow for better local and statewide policy decisions.

Purchaser Licensing, Point-of-Sale Background Check Laws, and Firearm Homicide and Suicide in 4 US States, 1985-2017.

Objectives. To estimate and compare the effects of state background check policies on firearm-related mortality in 4 US states.Methods. Annual data from 1985 to 2017 were used to examine Maryland and Pennsylvania, which implemented point-of-sale comprehensive background check (CBC) laws for handgun purchasers; Connecticut, which adopted a handgun purchaser licensing law; and Missouri, which repealed a similar law. Using synthetic control methods, we estimated the effects of these laws on homicide and suicide rates stratified by firearm involvement.Results. There was no consistent relationship between CBC laws and mortality rates. There were estimated decreases in firearm homicide (27.8%) and firearm suicide (23.2%-40.5%) rates associated with Connecticut's law. There were estimated increases in firearm homicide (47.3%), nonfirearm homicide (18.1%), and firearm suicide (23.5%) rates associated with Missouri's repeal.Conclusions. Purchaser licensing laws coupled with CBC requirements were consistently associated with lower firearm homicide and suicide rates, but CBC laws alone were not.Public Health Implications. Our results contribute to a body of research showing that CBC laws are not associated with reductions in firearm-related deaths unless they are coupled with handgun purchaser licensing laws.

Suicide rates in Iceland before and after the 2008 Global Recession: a nationwide population-based study

Economic downturns have been associated with increased suicide rates. The 2008 global financial crisis varied across countries but hit Iceland relatively hard. We aimed to study potential changes in suicide rates in Iceland during this major economic transition. Data were retrieved on all suicides in Iceland during 2002-14. The study period was divided into a pre-collapse period (2002-08) and a post-collapse period (2008-14). Poisson regression models were used to estimate the association between pre-to-post economic collapse and suicide rates, expressed as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Analyses were stratified by age and sex. A total of 470 suicides were recorded during the study period. The mean age at death was 45 years and 75% were males. The overall suicide rates per 100 000 were 13.3 pre-collapse and 15 post-collapse revealing no overall differences in pre-to-post collapse (RR 1.12; CI 0.94-1.35). This was true for both men and women (RR 1.18; CI 0.96-1.46 and RR 0.96; CI 0.67-1.38, respectively). An increase in the unemployment rate was not associated with the overall suicide rate (RR 1.07; CI 0.86-1.33), and neither were changes in gross domestic product (RR 1.29; CI 0.94-1.79) or balance of trade (RR 1.08; CI 0.96-1.22). The economic collapse and rising unemployment rates in Iceland did not result in an overall increase in suicide rates. A strong welfare system and investing in social protection during the economic crisis may have mitigated suicide risk.