A Systematic Review of Social Factors and Suicidal Behavior in Older Adulthood

Suicide in later life is a global public health problem. The aim of this review was to conduct a systematic analysis of studies with comparison groups that examined the associations between social factors and suicidal behavior (including ideation, non-fatal suicidal behavior, or deaths) among individuals aged 65 and older. Our search identified only 16 articles (across 14 independent samples) that met inclusion criteria. The limited number of studies points to the need for further research. Included studies were conducted in Canada (n = 2), Germany (n = 1), Hong Kong (n = 1), Japan (n = 1), Singapore (n = 1), Sweden (n = 2), Taiwan (n = 1), the U.K. (n = 2), and the U.S. (n = 3). The majority of the social factors examined in this review can be conceptualized as indices of positive social connectedness—the degree of positive involvement with family, friends, and social groups. Findings indicated that at least in industrialized countries, limited social connectedness is associated with suicidal ideation, non-fatal suicidal behavior, and suicide in later life. Primary prevention programs designed to enhance social connections as well as a sense of community could potentially decrease suicide risk, especially among men

Cross-National Analysis of the Associations among Mental Disorders and Suicidal Behavior: Findings from the WHO World Mental Health Surveys

Using data from over 100,000 individuals in 21 countries participating in the WHO World Mental Health Surveys, Matthew Nock and colleagues investigate which mental health disorders increase the odds of experiencing suicidal thoughts and actual suicide attempts, and how these relationships differ across developed and developing countries

Suicide and Suicide Risk in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Populations: Review and Recommendations

Despite strong indications of elevated risk of suicidal behavior in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, limited attention has been given to research, interventions or suicide prevention programs targeting these populations. This article is a culmination of a three-year effort by an expert panel to address the need for better understanding of suicidal behavior and suicide risk in sexual minority populations, and stimulate the development of needed prevention strategies, interventions and policy changes. This article summarizes existing research findings, and makes recommendations for addressing knowledge gaps and applying current knowledge to relevant areas of suicide prevention practice

Political Response to Firearm Violence Resulting in Mass Casualties in New Zealand and the United States: Worlds Apart

The article of record as published may be found at https://doi.org/10.7326/M19-156

Youth Suicide

Youth suicide rates have increased markedly in New Zealand during the last three decades and are now among the highest in the developed world. Major risk factors for suicidal behaviour include: psychiatric illness (notably, depressive disorders, substance abuse disorders and antisocial behaviours) previous suicide attempts and comorbid diagnoses of more than one mental disorder; exposure to adverse childhood and family experiences; social disadvantage; borderline and antisocial personality disorders; genetic and biologic factors. The best hope for substantial reduction in youth suicide rates may lie in reducing the number of young people with mental disorders. There is substantial scope for schools to participate in inter-sectoral efforts to promote and improve youth mental health in order to reduce vulnerability to mental disorders associated with suicidal behaviour

Youth Suicide

Youth suicide rates have increased markedly in New Zealand during the last three decades and are now among the highest in the developed world. Major risk factors for suicidal behaviour include: psychiatric illness (notably, depressive disorders, substance abuse disorders and antisocial behaviours) previous suicide attempts and comorbid diagnoses of more than one mental disorder; exposure to adverse childhood and family experiences; social disadvantage; borderline and antisocial personality disorders; genetic and biologic factors. The best hope for substantial reduction in youth suicide rates may lie in reducing the number of young people with mental disorders. There is substantial scope for schools to participate in inter-sectoral efforts to promote and improve youth mental health in order to reduce vulnerability to mental disorders associated with suicidal behaviour

Methods of Youth Suicide in New Zealand: Trends and Implications for Prevention

Objective: One commonly suggested approach to reducing suicide is to restrict access to potentially lethal means of suicide. This paper summarises recent trends in methods of suicide among young people in New Zealand and examines the feasibility of suicide prevention through restricting access to methods of suicide. Method: Data derived from official mortality statistics were used to examine trends, from 1977 to 1996, in methods of suicide among young people aged 15–24 years. Results: During the last two decades, male youth suicide rates in New Zealand doubled, from 20.3 per 100 000 in 1977 to 39.5 per 100 000 in 1996. This increase was accounted for, almost entirely, by increased use of hanging (71% of total increase) and vehicle exhaust gas (26% of total increase). Suicide rates among young females also increased, from 4 per 100 000 in 1977 to 14.3 per 100 000 in 1996. As for males, the increased female suicide rate was largely accounted for by increased rates of hanging and vehicle exhaust gas. Conclusions: The marked increases in rates of youth suicide in New Zealand during the past two decades are accounted for, almost wholly, by increases in rates of suicide by hanging and, to a lesser extent, vehicle exhaust gas. In 1996 the majority (79.7%) of youth suicides were accounted for by these two methods: hanging (61.5%) and vehicle exhaust gas (18.2%). Both methods are widely available and difficult to restrict, implying that limiting access to means of suicide is a strategy which is unlikely to play a major role in reducing suicidal behaviour among young people in New Zealand. </jats:p