Parental Factors Related to Adolescent Girls’ Suicide Attempts: A Cross-Sectional Study from 2015 to 2018

Adolescent suicide is a serious global health concern. Although familial transmission of suicidal behaviors has been identified in previous research, the effects of parental gender remain unknown. This study identified the influence of parental suicidal behaviors on suicide attempts among adolescent girls. We collected data through a cross-sectional, nationwide, population-based survey in South Korea and evaluated data from 890 adolescent girls (aged 12–18 years) who had attempted suicide and their parents. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors related to suicide attempts among adolescent girls. The final model indicated that mothers’ suicidal plans and attempts (OR = 6.39, OR = 12.38, respectively) were important risk factors for suicide attempts in adolescent girls. Future studies should identify specific methods for effective prevention and treatment through path analysis of the related factors affecting suicidal behavior of adolescents according to their parents’ gender.

Suicidality amongst young adults in South-south Nigeria

Background: Suicidality is a broad term that encompasses suicidal ideation, suicide plans and suicide attempts. Suicide cuts across all age groups however the young adulthood phase is a critical time for the onset of suicidal behaviours. Often suicide is underreported because of the shame, as such it is a neglected public health problem in our environment. This study seeks to describe the pattern of suicidality and reported health seeking behaviour amongst young people in Bayelsa State.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the national youth service corps orientation camp, Bayelsa amongst 387 corps members. With the aid of an electronic, self-administered questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEPwise manual on non-communicable diseases; information on socio demographic features, suicide ideation, plan and attempt were obtained. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.0.Results: The mean age was 25.37 (SD±2.38) years. Most participants were males (58.9%) and single (95.3%). Prevalence of suicidal ideation, plans and attempts was 7.5%, 4.4% and 3.1% respectively. Above one third (35.4%) of those who made suicidal plans in the past 12 months, actually attempted suicide, 4.4% and 2.6% of the respondents had a positive family history of suicide attempt and suicide death respectively.Conclusions: Young adults are a critical population for suicidality. Public health awareness on mental health promotion and uptake of mental health service should be encouraged. Decriminalisation of attempted suicide in Nigeria and better surveillance will enable more effective suicide prevention strategies.

Factors associated with the time to transition from suicidal ideation to suicide plans and attempts in the Australian general population

Background Suicide plans and attempts rarely occur without prior suicidal ideation but are hard to predict. Early intervention efforts need to focus on subgroups of the population who are more likely to transition from ideation to suicidal plans and attempts. The current study utilised data from a large nationally representative sample to investigate the time taken to transition and the demographic and mental health correlates of transitioning to suicidal plans and attempts among those with suicidal ideation. Methods Data were from 1237 Australians aged 16–85 years who reported suicidal thoughts at some point in their life. Discrete time survival analysis was used to retrospectively examine the time in years and correlates of transitioning from suicidal ideation to suicide plans and suicide attempt. Results The majority of those who transitioned to suicide plans or attempts typically did so within 2 years of first experiencing suicidal ideation. Several factors were independently associated with increased speed to transition, including alcohol use disorder, drug use disorder, major depressive episode, obsessive compulsive disorder, sexual minority status, and non-urban location. Older age, being male, older age of first ideation and greater family support were associated with a slower transition. Conclusion The current study suggests that pre-existing mental or substance use disorders, particularly drug use disorder, as well as sexual minority status, sex and greater family support play an important role in the transition from suicidal ideation to plans or attempts. These results highlight the potential importance of suicide prevention programs that aim to improve social connectedness.

Socio-demographic, economic and mental health problems were risk factors for suicidal ideation among Kenyan students aged 15 plus

Background: Understanding the prevalence of different suicidal ideas and context appropriate wide range of risk factors in youth in particular is important because about a third of youth with suicidal ideation develop suicidal plans and about 60% of youth with suicidal plans make suicidal attempts. This study aims to provide for the first time wide ranging Kenyan data on the above so as to inform context appropriate practice and policy. Methods: To achieve our aim, we studied a total of 9742 high school, college and university students using following self-administered instruments: - a researcher design socio-demographic questionnaire, Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire (PDSQ) to document psychiatric disorders and various types of suicidal ideas in previous two weeks, Washington Early Recognition Center Affectivity and Psychosis tool to assess stress, affectivity and psychosis, Wealth index questionnaire to document economic indicators based on household items for the families of the students. We used descriptive statistics to document the prevalence of suicidal ideas and socio-demographics, univariate analysis to determine associations between suicidal ideas and mental health disorders, socio-demographic characteristics and economic indicators. All the independent variables were then estimated using bivariate logistic regression, fitted to identify potential confounding factors. Variables with a p-value of less than <.05 were entered into generalized linear models using logit links to identify independent predictors. Results: The median age was 21.3 years (range 15-43),with a majority of males (53.5%)and 93.4% single. The overall prevalence of different types of suicidal ideation was (22.6%), the commonest of which was thinking of specific ways to take their life (19.3%) and least wanting to be dead (10.7%). Major depression was found in 20.0%. Affectivity, psychosis and stress was found in 10.4%, 8.7% and 26.0% respectively. Female gender, major depression, stress, affectivity and psychosis and being in high school were significant (p<0.05) predictors of suicidal ideation. Conclusion: We have documented the prevalence of different types of suicidal ideas and the risk factors in Kenyan students. We have therefore achieved our aims. Future studies are needed to study the progression from suicidal ideas to suicidal attempts and the factors associated with that progression.

Associations between the Type of Tobacco Products and Suicidal Behaviors: A Nationwide Population-Based Study among Korean Adolescents

The relationships between multiple tobacco products, such as heated tobacco products (HTPs), electronic cigarettes (ECs), and combustible cigarettes (CCs), and suicide-related behaviors among adolescents have not been extensively researched. This study examined the associations between the type of tobacco products used and suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts among Korean adolescents. Data from the 2019 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey were analyzed, and participants included 57,069 individuals aged 13–18 years. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. Of the total participants, 13.0%, 4.0%, and 2.9% reported suicidal thoughts, suicidal plans, and suicidal attempts, respectively. After adjusting for confounding variables, all tobacco product users showed a greater likelihood of having suicidal behavior. However, compared with never users, dual users of CCs and HTPs were not significantly associated with having suicidal thoughts and attempts. Among tobacco product users, dual users of ECs and HTPs and triple users of CCs, ECs, and HTPs showed a greater likelihood of having suicidal behavior. Considering the prevalence of suicide and the increasing trend of using multiple tobacco products among Korean adolescents, tobacco control policies should monitor the effects of different products.

Examining differences in suicidality between and within mental health disorders and sexual identity among adults in the United States

<abstract><sec> <title>Background</title> <p>Suicide is a leading but preventable cause of death and is preceded by domains of thoughts, plans, and attempts. We assessed the prevalence of suicidality domains and determined the association of suicidality domains with sexual identity, mental health disorder symptoms, and sociodemographic characteristics.</p> </sec><sec> <title>Methods</title> <p>We used the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data to perform weighted multivariable logistic regression and margins analyses to examine between and within-group differences in suicidality by sexual identity among adults aged ≥ 18 years.</p> </sec><sec> <title>Results</title> <p>About 4.89%, 1.37%, and 0.56% of the population experienced suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts, respectively. Those aged 18–25 years old had a higher odds of suicidality compared to those aged 26 years or older. Compared to those who reported having no alcohol use dependence, illicit drug use dependence, and major depressive episodes (MDEs), those who reported alcohol use dependence, illicit drug use dependence, and MDE had higher odds of suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts. Between all sexual identity groups, bisexuals who experienced MDEs had the highest probability of having suicidal thoughts while lesbians and gays who experienced MDE showed a higher probability of suicidal plans and attempts compared to heterosexuals. Within each sexual identity group, the probability of having suicidal thoughts, suicidal plans, and suicidal attempts was higher for those who had experienced MDEs compared to those who had not experienced MDEs.</p> </sec><sec> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>Substance use disorder and MDE symptoms were associated with increased suicidality, especially among young adults and sexual minority people. This disparity underscores the need for tailored interventions and policies to enhance the provision of prompt mental health screening, diagnosis, and linkage to care for mental health services, particularly among the most vulnerable in the population.</p> </sec></abstract>

Mediation of Internet addiction on association between childhood maltreatment and suicidal behaviours among Chinese adolescents

Aims The associations between suicidal behaviours and childhood maltreatment (CM), as well as Internet addiction (IA) have been extensively examined. However, few studies pay attention to different types of CM and all stages of suicidality, including suicidal ideation (SI), suicidal plans (SP) and suicidal attempts (SA). Moreover, little is known regarding the mediation of IA on the relationship between CM and suicidal behaviours. The study aims to explore the direct effect of CM and IA on three stages of suicidal behaviours, and the indirect effect of CM on suicidality via IA. Methods A total of 16 130 high-school students aged 12–18 were recruited using a stratified cluster sampling strategy across five representative provinces in China. Relevant information was collected by a self-administered anonymous questionnaire. Multinomial logistic regression analysis and structural equation model were used to examine the associations. Results During the last year, 16.0% of participants reported suicidal behaviours. Specifically, 7.9% reported SI only, 4.6% reported SP but no SA, and 3.5% reported SA. The prevalence of neglect, physical abuse and IA in moderate to severe were 28.9, 19.9 and 33.1%, respectively. After controlling for demographic characteristics and confounding factors, such as loneliness, psychological resilience, and social support, moderate and severe neglect, physical abuse and IA were associated with an increased risk of SI, SP and SA (p < 0.01). The total effect of neglect and physical abuse on suicidal behaviours were 0.152 and 0.172, respectively (p < 0.001). The mediation proportion of IA on the association between neglect and suicidal behaviours, as well as physical abuse and suicidal behaviours were 22.4 and 18.0%, respectively. Conclusions CM and IA are independently associated with suicidal behaviours among Chinese adolescents. Moreover, IA plays a mediating role on the relationship between CM and suicidality. Targeted interventions for adolescents’ suicidal behaviours should focus on those who have experience of CM and IA.

Rapid Report: Early Demand, Profiles and Concerns of Mental Health Users during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic in late March 2020 (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Trends in contact with a high volume national digital mental health service (DMHS), the MindSpot Clinic, provide a unique opportunity to assess the mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE To examine trends in contact with a high volume national digital mental health service (DMHS) in order to assess the early mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Baseline website and call centre traffic, and demographic and symptom data from a cohort of 500 consecutive users from February 2020 were compared with a matched cohort during the early phase of the pandemic. Responses to questions about the impact of COVID-19 and reports from treating therapists were examined. Demographic information, scores on K10, GAD7, PHQ9 and to questions regarding suicide plans and effect of COVID19 were examined. RESULTS There was a 68% increase in website visits and a 90% increase in telephone calls to the clinic. There was no increase in the severity of symptoms of psychological distress, depression, anxiety or the number reporting suicidal plans. However, the pandemic cohort reported more recent onset of symptoms of anxiety and depression, 96% reported concern about the impact of COVID-19, and 95% reported making changes in lifestyle, with higher levels of concern among older adults. Concerns identified by therapists included how to access testing and manage quarantine, financial security and the impact of social isolation. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 has resulted in a significant increase in contact with an established DMHS. With the prospect of prolonged restriction of movement, DMHS such as MindSpot are in a unique position to both provide clinical services and to monitor the mental health of the population.

Emotional motives of adolescent suicidal behavior

In this article, emotions are considered as the motives of unintentional suicidal behavior of adolescents. The emotions that «destroy ties» are examined. They are manifested in. The phenomenon of «adolescent suicidal behavior» refers to completed and incomplete suicides, thoughts, attitudes, conversations, as well as preparatory actions for leaving life. The author argues that elementary, or basic, emotions of fear, sadness, and disgust «rise» from neurophysiological processes, i.e. «down up»; they create «tunnel consciousness» at the psychological level and are realized in unintentional suicidal behavior. Leaving life is explained by a specific state of consciousness when a teenager is in a state of tunnel perception and thinking. The emotions that «destroy ties» (fear, sadness, disgust) are reflected in the psyche, forming suicidal plans and suicidal behavior. The hormones serotonin, dopamine and adrenaline are involved in the genesis of suicidal behavior. Emotions «destroying ties» are categorized as «toxic» on the basis that they create a deficiency of hormones — neurotransmitters, which ultimately affects behavior. The mediating function in this motivational scheme is performed by tunnel perception and thinking. At the psychological level, all of this leads to unintentional suicidal behavior. This behavior differs from situational, impulsive and affective in the extended time of performing motor acts — from several hours to weeks and months. In a situation of experiencing toxic emotions, the elements of consciousness - attention, perception and thinking — lead to a state in which a teenager loses many conscious acts of control over the psyche and behavior: there is no adequate assessment of the situation and the ability to predict, and thus the behavior becomes unintentionally destructive.