Improving Our Ability to Predict Who is at Risk for Suicide
Most people who attempt or die by suicide have visited a healthcare provider in the months leading up to the event; however, as clinicians, our ability to accurately predict who is at risk for suicide is poor. Using multiple sources of data, including the electronic health record, researchers at MGH hope to develop new strategies for identifying individuals at greatest risk.
Developing a Clinical Tool to Predict Suicide Risk
Clinician-researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital are using big data to better identify people at risk for suicide attempts and are developing a decision-support tool for use in clinical settings.
Suicide in Children and Adolescents
According to the Centers for Disease Control, suicide is the second leading cause of death for children, adolescents, and young adults age 15-to-24-year-olds. However, we know considerably less about suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and adolescents compared to adults. Given this worrisome increase in the prevalence of suicide over the last decade, the National Institute of Mental Health has identified suicide in children and adolescents as a priority for research and intervention.
Toward a Better Understanding of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Children
Although preadolescent suicide deaths are rare, suicidal thoughts and behaviors occur with concerning frequency. Male individuals were at greater risk for SITBs in preadolescence relative to adolescence. Preadolescents with ADHD, depression, and multiple psychiatric comorbidities were more likely to report suicidal ideation.
Interventions to Reduce Suicidality
While we have data to support the use of interventions which reduce depressive symptoms, we lack evidence for interventions specifically targeting suicidal and self-injurious behaviors. There has been great interest in the use of ketamine for this purpose, given its raped effects on depression and suicidal ideation. With a grant from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Dr. Cristina Cusin will study treatment with ketamine as a means of decreasing suicide risk in patients after discharge from psychiatric hospitalization.
Applications Now Being Accepted for the 2025 Emerging Innovators in Precision Psychiatry Awards
This award from the Center for Precision Psychiatry recognizes the contributions of early career investigators in the emerging field of precision psychiatry
Jodi Gilman, PhD Joins the 2025 Class of MGH Research Scholars
This philanthropy-funded program gives researchers the freedom and flexibility to pursue their innovative research.
New Publications from the Mass General Department of Psychiatry – April 3, 2025
From the clinicians and researchers in our department, a list of our most recent publications.
Bipolar Disorder, Childhood Abuse, and Symptom Networks: A New Approach to Improving Treatment Interventions
Having a history of childhood abuse may alter the typical symptoms observed in individuals with bipolar disorder.
Research at Brigham and Women’s Hospital: Advancing Bipolar Disorder Care with Wearable Technology
Passively collected data from wearable devices may improve the early identification of mood episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder.
New Study Will Explore the Antidepressant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
By targeting inflammation, omega-3s may enhance the efficacy of traditional antidepressants and improve outcomes for patients who have not responded well to conventional therapies.
Meet the MGH-McLean Adult Psychiatry Residency Class of 2029
We are delighted to welcome the extraordinary MGH-McLean Psychiatry Residency Class of 2029.
Eugene Beresin, MD MA Receives Lifetime Service Award from American Association of Directors of Psychiatry Residency Training
AADRT recognizes Dr. Beresin for his achievements and contributions as a clinician, educator, mentor, and leader in psychiatric education with 40 years of experience.
New Publications from the Mass General Department of Psychiatry – March 21, 2025
From the clinicians and researchers in our department, a list of our most recent publications.
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