Universal suicide prevention in schools

2021 ◽  
pp. 653-664
Author(s):  
Vladimir Carli ◽  
Miriam Iosue ◽  
Danuta Wasserman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
At Risk Students ◽  
School Based ◽  
Prevention Interventions ◽  
Suicide Screening ◽  
Attitudes Towards Suicide ◽  
Prevention Programmes ◽  
Model Evidence ◽  
Prevention In Schools

Schools are one of the most important settings for health promotion and preventive interventions for young people and therefore became one of the main targets of youth suicide prevention programmes. School-based suicide prevention interventions are presented here according to the Universal/Selective/Indicated model. Evidence of the effectiveness of the different programmes is discussed. Universal interventions proved to be the most effective. Particularly, Signs of Suicide (SOS) and Youth Aware of Mental health (YAM) programme showed to significantly reduce suicidal ideation and behaviours. Gatekeeper training, especially QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer), are also widely implemented but their efficacy was mostly evaluated as changes in knowledge and attitudes towards suicide. Screening programmes do not have iatrogenic effects and are effective in identifying at-risk students who otherwise would not be recognized, however their level of sensitivity and specificity require further improvements. Some systematic reviews suggested that a combination of programmes may be most effective.

Arguments for and against Teaching Suicide Prevention in Schools

1996 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 633-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Hazell ◽  
Ray King
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
At Risk Students ◽  
Evaluation Research ◽  
Prevention Programs ◽  
Ample Evidence ◽  
School Based ◽  
Positive Argument ◽  
Suicide Prevention Programs ◽  
Prevention In Schools ◽  
Primary Support

A paper based on a workshop presented to the Suicide Prevention Australia conference, ‘Suicide. Who Cares?’, on 15 March 1995 in Sydney Objective: To present arguments for and against the provision of curriculum-based suicide prevention programs in schools. Method: The authors developed their arguments independently, based on the available literature on school-based programs, prior to debating the topic at a national conference on suicide prevention. Results: The rationale for school-based programs is that the school has the responsibility: to resolve problems that interfere with education; to teach health education; and to acknowledge a duty of care to parents and to the community as well as to youth. Primary prevention programs in schools are not aimed at so-called ‘at-risk’ students, but potential ‘helpers’, based on the knowledge that peers are a primary support for troubled adolescents. One measure of the efficacy of school-based prevention programs must be the extent to which there is an increase in the tendency for adolescents to turn to adults for help. There is ample evidence that increasing the tendency for adolescents to approach adults for help is achievable. The argument against such programs is that evidence from evaluation research suggests that they are ineffective, inefficient, not universally acceptable, and of questionable safety. Conclusions: Those persuaded by the positive argument will wish to see these programs adopted in all Australian secondary schools. Those persuaded by the negative argument will recommend that suicide prevention resources be allocated to activities other than school-based suicide education programs.

scholarly journals School- and Community-Based Youth Suicide Prevention Interventions: Hot Idea, Hot Air, or Sham?

2016 ◽  
Vol 62 (6) ◽  
pp. 381-387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stan Kutcher ◽  
Yifeng Wei ◽  
Pegah Behzadi
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Youth Suicide ◽  
Widespread Application ◽  
Hot Air ◽  
School Based ◽  
Prevention Interventions ◽  
Prevention Programmes ◽  
School Based Interventions ◽  
First Time

Suicide in young people is a significant health concern, with numerous community- and school-based interventions promising to prevent suicide currently being applied across Canada. Before widespread application of any one of these, it is essential to determine its effectiveness and safety. We systematically reviewed the global literature on one of the most common community suicide prevention interventions in Canada and summarized data on 2 commonly applied school-based suicide prevention programmes. None of these has demonstrated effectiveness in preventing youth suicide or safety in application. Concurrently with their widespread distribution in Canada, the suicide rate in young women has increased—the first time in over 3 decades. Policy and regulatory implications of these findings are discussed.

scholarly journals The National Institute of Mental Health: Research Agenda and Priorities in Geriatrics and Aging

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 621-621
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Necka
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Research Agenda ◽  
Behavioral Science ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Mental Health Research ◽  
Preclinical Research ◽  
Affective Science ◽  
Prevention Interventions

Abstract The Geriatrics and Aging Processes Research Branch of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) supports research on the etiology, pathophysiology, and trajectory of late life mental disorders. The branch encourages research using neuroscience, cognitive and affective science, and social and behavioral science to translate basic and preclinical research to clinical research. The branch prioritizes research that investigates neuropsychiatric disorders of aging, how they interact with neurodevelopment/neurodegeneration, and how to assess, treat, and prevent them. Of particular interest is research on social isolation and suicide. Suicide prevention research is an urgent priority: NIMH’s portfolio includes projects aimed at identifying those at risk for suicide, understanding causes of suicide risk, developing suicide prevention interventions, and testing the effectiveness of these interventions and services in real-world settings. In this talk, a NIMH program official will discuss the NIMH research agenda in the domain of late-life mental illness, social isolation, and suicide.

Suicide

2020 ◽  
pp. 363-380
Author(s):  
Danuta Wasserman ◽  
Marcus Sokolowski ◽  
Vladimir Carli
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Cause Of Death ◽  
Suicidal Behaviour ◽  
Physician Education ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Iatrogenic Effects ◽  
School Based ◽  
Prevention Programmes

Suicide is a leading cause of death and is preventable. This chapter identifies landmark papers from three areas within the field of suicide prevention that are important for trainees, experienced clinicians, and policymakers alike. Firstly, it reviews papers on evidence-based suicide prevention strategies. Physician education, pharmacological and psychotherapy treatments, school-based suicide prevention programmes, and means of suicide restriction are found to be effective in preventing suicidal behaviours. Suicide prevention strategies that require further research on efficacy are identified, along with directions for future research. Secondly, several papers are analysed providing evidence that talking about suicide does not cause iatrogenic effects. Suicide research and prevention should not be hindered due to unsubstantiated concerns. Lastly, a paper discussing the genetics of suicidal behaviour provides an understanding of the diathesis of suicide. These landmark papers highlight the importance of suicide prevention and inform future research.

Rising Indigenous suicide rates in Kimberley and implications for suicide prevention

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 561-564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Campbell ◽  
Murray Chapman ◽  
Cate McHugh ◽  
Adelln Sng ◽  
Sivasankaran Balaratnasingam
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Indigenous Australians ◽  
Indigenous Youth ◽  
Suicide Rates ◽  
Culturally Informed ◽  
Retrospective Audit ◽  
Prevention Interventions

Objectives: This audit examined the demographics of Indigenous Australians dying by suicide in the Kimberley region of Western Australia during the period 2005–2014. Methods: This is a de-identified retrospective audit of reported suicide deaths provided to Kimberley Mental Health and Drug Service during the period 2005–2014. Variables such as age, sex, method of suicide, previous engagement with mental health services, locality and ethnicity were assessed. Results: Indigenous suicide rates in the Kimberley region have dramatically increased in the last decade. There is also an overall trend upwards in Indigenous youth suicide and Indigenous female suicides. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for culturally informed, and youth focussed, suicide prevention interventions within the Kimberley region.

scholarly journals A cost-effectiveness analysis of school-based suicide prevention programmes

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (10) ◽  
pp. 1295-1304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Ahern ◽  
Lee-Ann Burke ◽  
Brendan McElroy ◽  
Paul Corcoran ◽  
Elaine M. McMahon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Cost Effectiveness Analysis ◽  
School Based ◽  
Effectiveness Analysis ◽  
Prevention Programmes

Near-Fatal Self-Harm Among Canadian Adolescents

2021 ◽  
pp. 070674372110586
Author(s):  
Rachel HB Mitchell ◽  
Cornelius Ani ◽  
Claude Cyr ◽  
James Irvine ◽  
Ari R Joffe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Family Conflict ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Surveillance Program ◽  
Female Age ◽  
Prevention Interventions ◽  
Working Age ◽  
Self Harm

Objective To evaluate the clinical features of Canadian adolescents admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for medically serious self-harm. Methods 2700 Canadian paediatricians were surveyed monthly over two years (January 2017 to December 2018) through the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program to ascertain data from eligible cases. Results Ninety-three cases (73 female; age 15.2 ± 1.5) met the case definition. Four provinces reported the majority of cases: Quebec (n = 27), Ontario (n = 26), Alberta (n = 21), and British Columbia (n = 8). There were 10 deaths, 9 by hanging. Overdose and hanging were the most frequently reported methods of self-harm (74.2% and 19.4%, respectively). Overdose was more common in females (80.8% females vs. 50% males; χ2 = 7.8 (1), p = .005), whereas hanging was more common in males (35% males vs. 15.1% females, χ2 = 3.9 (1), p = .04). More females than males had a past psychiatric diagnosis (79% vs. 58%; χ2 = 4.1 (1), p = .06), a previous suicide attempt (55.9% vs. 29.4%, χ2 = 3.8 (1), p = .05), and prior use of mental health service (69.7% vs. 27.8%, χ2 = 10.4 (1), p = .001). Family conflict was the most commonly identified precipitating factor (43%) of self-harm. Conclusions Among Canadian adolescents admitted to the ICU with medically serious self-harm, females demonstrate a higher rate of suicide attempts and prior mental health care engagement, whereas males are more likely to die by suicide. These findings are consistent with data from other adolescent samples, as well as data from working-age and older adults. Therefore, a sex-specific approach to suicide prevention is warranted as part of a national suicide prevention strategy; family conflict may be a specific target for suicide prevention interventions among adolescents.

Schizotypal personality disorder and suicide: problems and perspectives

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Leo Sher
Keyword(s):  
Personality Disorder ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Schizotypal Personality Disorder ◽  
Schizotypal Personality ◽  
Appropriate Treatment ◽  
Prevention Interventions ◽  
Suicide Screening ◽  
Significant Disability ◽  
Cluster A ◽  
And Behavior

Abstract Schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) is classified in DSM-V as a cluster A personality disorder. Cluster A personality disorders are described as odd or eccentric conditions. SPD is associated with significant disability and many psychiatric comorbidities. Several studies have shown that SPD and schizotypal traits are associated with suicidal ideation and behavior. Suicide prevention interventions in individuals with SPD are impeded because (1) SPD is frequently not diagnosed; (2) SPD is difficult to treat; and (3) there are no guidelines for suicide screening or suicide prevention interventions in individuals with SPD. Suicide prevention in persons with SPD consist of (1) diagnosing SPD; (2) providing appropriate treatment for SPD; and (3) providing suicide screening and suicide prevention. Interventions aiming at reduction of depressive symptoms, improvement of self-esteem and interpersonal skills may be effective at reducing suicide risk among individuals with SPD. Studies of suicidality in persons with SPD are needed and may be an important area of suicide research. It is to be hoped that future studies of the pathophysiology of suicidality in individuals with SPD will help to develop strategies for suicide screening and suicide prevention interventions in persons with SPD and improve suicide prevention in this challenging patient population.

scholarly journals THE CHALLENGES OF SCHOOL-BASED YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION: EXPERIENCES AND PERCEPTIONS OF MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN SOUTH AFRICAN SCHOOLS

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-44
Author(s):  
Maryke Woolf ◽  
Jason Bantjes ◽  
Ashraf Kagee
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
South African ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Suicidal Behaviour ◽  
School Based

Youth suicidal behaviour poses a significant public health concern. Mental health care professionals working in schools have an important role to play in youth suicide prevention initiatives, although little is known of the experiences of this group of professionals in low and middle income countries (LMIC’s). The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of mental health professionals working in South African schools and to document their insights, attitudes and beliefs regarding youth suicidal behaviour. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven school-based mental health care professionals and data were analysed using Thematic Analysis. Participants reported that they relied on a reactive strategy by responding to youths who were in crisis. They were challenged by a lack of support from faculty staff, a lack of access to resources, and heavy caseloads. Findings highlight the need for a proactive and collaborative approach to suicide prevention among mental health care professionals, teachers and parents in South African schools and improved training and supervision.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document