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.
Research from the Nurses’ Health Study: Gratitude Makes You Live Longer
Practicing gratitude is associated with improved mental health and social well-being; a recent study indicates that gratitude might also improve longevity.
Toolkit for Optimal Recovery after Concussions: Targeting Anxiety and Reducing the Risk of Persistent Symptoms
Many young adults experience the persistence of symptoms after a concussion; a preliminary study of a novel mind-body intervention appears to improve outcomes.
Anne Fishel, PhD: Psychologist’s advice for a peaceful Thanksgiving gathering
The executive director and co-founder of the Family Dinner Project provides some tips for having a peaceful and civil Thanksgiving dinner.
Suzanne Bender, MD: Words to Comfort High-Risk Youth Post-Election (Psychology Today)
How can therapists be helpful to those who are in deep distress during a time of great uncertainty?
Depressive Symptoms Associated with Amyloid Accumulation Early in Alzheimer’s Disease, Even Before Cognitive Changes are Apparent
Emerging depressive symptoms in older adults may signal amyloid accumulation, a key factor in Alzheimer’s disease, according to study using PET imaging in cognitively unimpaired individuals.
The Tommy Fuss Scholars Program in Precision Psychiatry is Now Accepting Applications
The program will support innovative research efforts by early career investigators on projects aligned with the Center of Precision Psychiatry mission and goals, including therapeutics, big data analytics, precision treatment matching, mobile health technologies, genomics, neuroscience, and clinical trials.
Register Now for the 4th Annual Conference on Psychedelics & Psychedelic Medicine on November 15 and 16, 2024
This conference will provide up-to-date overviews and discussions of advances in the field of psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapies, with an emphasis on clinical studies and practice.
Ellen Braaten, PhD: Election Anxiety is a Real Thing, Learn How Others Are Trying to Deal With It (Boston 25 News)
The stakes are high with this presidential election, and this is fueling anxiety on both sides. This is something our kids are also feeling.
New Publications from the Mass General Department of Psychiatry – November 1, 2024
From the clinicians and researchers in our department, a list of our most recent publications.
Khadijah Booth Watkins, MD MPH: How the 2024 Election Affects the Minds of Young People (WCVB)
Kids, especially teens, want to talk about the upcoming election. How to support them?
