Youth Suicide Prevention Research Articles

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth suicide mortality and previous mental health, suicidality and service use in Queensland, Australia, from 2001 to 2021

BackgroundThe current study aimed to compare current suicide rates, trends, previous treatment, suicidality and mental health diagnoses for First Nations and non-Indigenous young people who died by suicide. MethodsAge-specific suicide rates (ASSRs) were calculated per 100,000 persons/year using suicides aged 10–19 years in the Queensland Suicide Register. Rate Ratios (RRs) and 95 % CIs compared ASSRs for First Nations and non-Indigenous youth dying by suicide in Queensland, Australia, from 2001 to 2018. Risk ratios (RiskR) with 95 % CIs compared characteristics between First Nations and non-Indigenous youth suicides. Joinpoint regression was used to identify any changes in trends and annual percentage change (APC) in suicides with 95 % CIs. ResultsThe First Nations youth ASSR was 24.71 deaths per 100,000 persons/year, 4.5 times the non-Indigenous ASSR (95 % CI = 3.74–5.38, p < 0.001). Both non-Indigenous and First Nations suicide trends were stable with no joinpoints (APC: 0.3 %, 95 % CI: −1.6-2.2, p = 0.78; APC: 0.9 %, 95 % CI: −0.2-2.1, p = 0.11). Less than a quarter (23.9 %) of First Nations young people had ever received mental health treatment, significantly fewer than non-Indigenous youth (RiskR = 0.80, 95 % CI = 0.71–0.90, p < 0.001). Similarly, in the three months preceding their death, only 14.5 % of First Nations young people had received mental health treatment (RiskR = 0.89, 95 % CI = 0.83–97, p = 0.015). LimitationsReported mental illness, suicidality and help-seeking could be underreported due to concealment from family or police. ConclusionsThe current study finds no change in the gap between the First Nations and Non-Indigenous youth suicide rates nor evidence of decrease in the First Nations youth suicide rate. There is a need for alternative approaches to Indigenous youth suicide prevention, such as assertive outreach models outside of traditional triage and mental health systems to proactively build trusting relationships with young people in communities to identify young people needing support.

Involving Young People With Lived and Living Experience of Suicide in Suicide Research.

Background: Research into youth suicide prevention rarely involves young people with lived and living experiences as collaborators. Key barriers include a lack of guidelines or frameworks to inform collaboration, appropriate ethical approval processes, perceived risk, and recruitment. Aim: To develop guidelines for involving young people with lived and living experiences in suicide research as collaborators. Method: A Delphi expert consensus study was conducted with two expert panels: a youth lived and living experiences panel and a traditionally qualified researcher panel. Items rated as essential or important using a five-point Likert scale by more than 80% of both panels were included in the guidelines. Results: Forty-nine experts completed two consensus rounds. The guidelines are organized as follows: (1) preparation, (2) supporting safety and well-being, (3) evaluating involvement, and (4) tips for young people. Limitations: Participants were from English-speaking, Western countries only. Conclusion: These world-first guidelines address the unique challenges and opportunities for involving young people with lived and living experiences in suicide research.

148. Building Capacity of Pediatric Ambassadors in Community Suicide Prevention Strategies Described in the Blueprint for Youth Suicide Prevention

148. Building Capacity of Pediatric Ambassadors in Community Suicide Prevention Strategies Described in the Blueprint for Youth Suicide Prevention

Youth Suicide Prevention and Intervention. Best Practices and Policy Implications [edited by John P. Ackerman; Lisa M. Horowitz

Youth Suicide Prevention and Intervention. Best Practices and Policy Implications [edited by John P. Ackerman; Lisa M. Horowitz

Firearm carrying and adolescent suicide risk outcomes between 2015 and 2021 across nationally representative samples.

Firearms are the most frequent means of youth suicide for the 14-18-year-old age group, and adolescent firearm access confers substantial increases in the risk of suicidal behaviors. There have been significant increases in firearm purchases and firearm violence in the United States since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study uses four time points of nationally representative data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) from 2015 to 2021 to examine the differential associations of reporting having carried a firearm and suicide-related outcomes, after controlling for relevant demographic factors. As a sensitivity analysis, we examined whether a similar risk pattern was seen for the probability of reporting depressed mood. Results reveal significant increases in suicide-related outcomes among students who reported carrying a firearm and no significant increases among those who did not. Unlike the suicide-related outcomes, increases in depressed mood overtime were not limited to students who carried firearms, suggesting that the risk associated with firearms may be specific to suicide-related outcomes. Carrying a firearm is associated with significant increases in the risk of suicidal ideation and behaviors among youth and this risk has increased between 2015 and 2021. Implications for youth suicide prevention and directions for future research are discussed.

Exploring the link between the increase in high-rise buildings and youth jumping suicide in Taiwan: A longitudinal study.

From 2010 to 2021, suicide rates in 15-24 age group in Taiwan increased by 70%, with jumping being the most common method in 2021. We examined the link between the rise in youth suicides and the increase in high-rise buildings during this period. Spearman's correlation coefficients and negative binomial mixed-effects models were employed to assess the association between the increase in high-rise buildings and jumping suicides over time. Spearman's correlation coefficients of high-rise buildings and jumping suicide rates in youth decreased from 0.692 (p < 0.001) in 2010 to 0.354 (p = 0.11) in 2021. Negative binomial mixed-effects models showed that although jumping suicide rates in youths increased over time, the increase in numbers of high-rise buildings was not related to rates of youth suicide by jumping. Conversely, in older age groups, the correlations were still prominent. Despite the rising trend in youth suicides by jumping over the past 11 years, our study refutes the intuitive notion that the increase in high-rise buildings contributes to this trend. It is imperative to identify and address other potential factors, such as academic stress and/or family disruptions, for effective prevention of youth suicide.

Community Mental Health Treatment for Suicidality: Implementation of a Culturally Adapted Youth Suicide Prevention Program

Community Mental Health Treatment for Suicidality: Implementation of a Culturally Adapted Youth Suicide Prevention Program

Australian Youth Self-Harm Atlas: spatial modelling and mapping of self-harm prevalence and related risk and protective factors to inform youth suicide prevention strategies.

Suicide prevention strategies have shifted in many countries, from a national approach to one that is regionally tailored and responsive to local community needs. Previous Australian studies support this approach. However, most studies have focused on suicide deaths which may not fully capture a complete understanding of prevention needs, and few have focused on the priority population of youth. This was the first nationwide study to examine regional variability of self-harm prevalence and related factors in Australian young people. A random sample of Australian adolescents (12-17-year-olds) were recruited as part of the Young Minds Matter (YMM) survey. Participants completed self-report questions on self-harm (i.e., non-suicidal self-harm and suicide attempts) in the previous 12months. Using mixed effects regressions, an area-level model was built with YMM and Census data to produce out-of-sample small area predictions for self-harm prevalence. Spatial unit of analysis was Statistical Area Level 1 (average population 400 people), and all prevalence estimates were updated to 2019. Across Australia, there was large variability in youth self-harm prevalence estimates. Northern Territory, Western Australia, and South Australia had the highest estimated state prevalence. Psychological distress and depression were factors which best predicted self-harm at an individual level. At an area-level, the strongest predictor was a high percentage of single unemployed parents, while being in an area where ≥30% of parents were born overseas was associated with reduced odds of self-harm. This study identified characteristics of regions with lower and higher youth self-harm risk. These findings should assist governments and communities with developing and implementing regionally appropriate youth suicide prevention interventions and initiatives.

Generalisability of the interpersonal theory of suicide to latent profiles of young people attending treatment in a suicide prevention service.

The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (ITS) could help identify differences in groups of suicidal adolescents and inform treatment. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) using thwarted belongingness (TB), perceived burdensomeness (PB), hopelessness, and capability was conducted on data from an at-risk clinical sample (N = 500). The ITS prediction that changes in TB and PB are associated with changes in suicidal ideation was tested using admission and discharge data. Latent Profile Analysis identified three profiles with increasing complexity and severity on ITS factors. The profiles were labelled low-severity (7.6% of participants), moderate-severity (45.2%), and high-severity (47.2%). ITS predictions were partially supported for the full sample and only for the high-severity and moderate-severity subgroups, whereby changes in TB were significantly associated with changes in suicidal ideation over the course of treatment. However, changes in PB were only significant in the moderate-severity subgroup, and none of the ITS predictions were supported in the low-severity subgroup. Additionally, effect sizes for changes in TB and PB were modest in all analyses. Our findings highlight the importance reducing low belongingness in youth, which is a component of all supported interventions of youth suicide prevention. However, given the modest association of changes in ITS variables had with changes in suicidal ideation, it may be fruitful to elaborate on the relative importance on types of low belongingness or include other non-ITS variables.

RAND examines AI suicide risk monitoring tool in K‐12 schools

Observing the ongoing and increasing youth mental health crisis among students, RAND Corporation researchers have released a new report about how artificial intelligence (AI)‐based suicide risk monitoring tools are being used in K‐12 schools to detect and prevent youth suicide risk and self‐harm.

Effectiveness of emergency department-based and initiated youth suicide prevention interventions: A systematic review.

This systematic review examined the effectiveness of Emergency Department-based and initiated youth suicide prevention interventions for suicide attempts, suicidal ideation, hospitalization, family system functioning, and other mental health symptoms. We searched five databases for randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies that examined Emergency Department-based and initiated suicide prevention interventions among youth aged 10 to 18 years old between May 2020 to June 2022. Using Cohen's d and 95% confidence interval as our standardised metrics, we followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Synthesis Without Meta-Analysis in Systematic Reviews (SWiM) guidelines when synthesizing, interpreting, and reporting the findings of this review. Five studies were included in this review. Findings were first synthesized according to the targeted population of the study intervention and this review's outcomes. Two interventions were effective for decreasing depressive symptoms, hospitalization recidivism, and/or increasing family empowerment. There were no interventions that reduced subsequent suicide attempts. A meta-analysis was not conducted due to the heterogeneity of the data. A need exists to develop and evaluate Emergency Department-based and initiated youth suicide prevention interventions that can be successfully and sustainably implemented in practice. Future research should focus on evaluating the components of interventions that effectively mitigate suicide risk among high-risk youth.

Suicide Risk Assessment and Safety Planning in Pediatric Primary Care

Suicidal thoughts and behavior are an increasing concern for youth. Pediatricians can prevent youth suicide through a stepwise process of screening, risk assessment, and safety planning incorporated into their practice. This article describes practical steps for pediatric clinicians to effectively detect and assess risks associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors in youth while concurrently providing effective intervention. [ Pediatr Ann . 2023;52(11):e422–e425.]

Statewide Initiatives to Address Youth Suicide Prevention

Statewide Initiatives to Address Youth Suicide Prevention

8.3 Oregon Suicide Prevention Framework and Big River Programming for Youth Suicide Prevention

8.3 Oregon Suicide Prevention Framework and Big River Programming for Youth Suicide Prevention

1.77 The Ohio Youth Suicide Prevention Collaborative: Data Collection and Trends

1.77 The Ohio Youth Suicide Prevention Collaborative: Data Collection and Trends

8.1 The Ohio Youth Suicide Prevention Collaborative: A Coordinated Framework to Reduce Pediatric Suicides in Ohio

8.1 The Ohio Youth Suicide Prevention Collaborative: A Coordinated Framework to Reduce Pediatric Suicides in Ohio

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Trainings as Part of an American Indian/Alaska Native Youth Suicide Prevention Program

According to the Centers for Disease Control suicide rates in 2022 for American Indian/Alaska Native youth are 2.5 times higher than the national average. An Urban Indian Health Organization’s response to this crisis was to provide community and State-wide Gatekeeper trainings between 2012 and 2019 to teach trainees (N = 810) to respond appropriately to youth at-risk of suicide. We report data on pre-, post-, and six-month follow-up surveys with trainees. Data were analyzed using generalized linear models repeated measures to test within-subject, and between-subject mean score changes on suicide prevention-related measures “knowledge,” “ask directly,” “respond,” “comfort,” and “preparedness.” Results indicated improved capacity to be prepared to address suicide in the short term and that having a graduate degree enhanced baseline suicide prevention knowledge. Over time those with less education benefited the most and better retained content. Future Trainings should engage young people and those with less education to realize the largest benefit.

Which programmes and policies across health and community settings will generate the most significant impacts for youth suicide prevention in Australia and the UK? Protocol for a systems modelling and simulation study

IntroductionSuicide is a leading cause of mortality among young people aged 15–24 globally. Despite the deployment of comprehensive suicide prevention strategies, we still do not know which interventions, for which...

Interventions for youth suicide and suicide-related behaviour: An update to a systematic review.

To update our 2018 review with the latest evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of interventions to prevent youth suicide and suicide-related behaviour. In keeping with our 2018 review, Embase, PsycInfo, and Medline were searched using relevant key words. Included trials were RCTs evaluating the impact of an intervention or approach designed to prevent or reduce youth suicide and suicide-related behaviour. Key data were extracted, and results synthesised narratively. Thirty RCTs were included across clinical (n = 13), educational (n = 8), and community settings (n = 9). No trials were conducted in workplace or primary care settings, or with indigenous populations, and few trials involved partnerships with young people. There were some concerns or a high risk of bias for most trials. While a relatively large number of RCTs have been published in recent years, knowledge gaps remain. Further high-quality RCTs are needed, including those focussing on vulnerable population groups. Meaningful consumer involvement and a stronger emphasis on implementation are also recommended.

청소년의 자살생각에 미치는 사회유대와 차별피해의 영향

The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors that affect adolescents' suicide intentions and to suggest programs for youth suicide prevention. According to the purpose of the study, the effects of adolescents' parents, school bonding, and discrimination on suicide were analyzed using a structural equation model, and the mediating effects of depression and social participation were also analyzed. The analysis results are summarized as follows. The weaker the bond with parents and schools and the more discriminated against, the higher the likelihood of suicide, and depression is also a factor that increases the intention to commit suicide. In the case of social participation, the more social participation, the higher the intention to commit suicide. Based on the results of the study, suggestions for youth suicide prevention are as follows. Adolescents with weakened bonding to parents and schools have higher depression and lead to suicide intentions. Programs to strengthen social bonding among teenagers whose social bonding have weakened should be created in more depth. In addition, such programs should include information on suicide prevention. The results that adolescents' social participation negatively affects suicide will require more specific research. It seems to mean that adolescents whose relationship with home and school has weakened are not meeting the deficiency even in youth centers. Therefore, it is necessary to improve and manage programs for youth centers.