At a time of increasing gun ownership among women, just under 4 in 10 women who died by firearm suicide had no documented history of mental or physical health problems, highlighting a need for prevention strategies tailored to at-risk women.

A groundbreaking study published in the journal Current Neuropharmacology highlights a concerning potential link between Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP1) receptor agonists—widely used in blockbuster drugs like Ozempic—and the risk of depression and suicidal ideation (SI). Using advanced pharmacogenomic computational analyses, the international team of 24 researchers revealed genetic pathways that may induce depressive phenotypes in users of GLP1 agonists, raising significant concerns about the safety of these medications for certain individuals.

The start of deer hunting season in the US - when firearms and ammunition are more available in certain states - is associated with increases in both hunting and non-hunting related firearm incidents, including violent crime and suicide, finds a study published by The BMJ today.

Globally, suicide is the third leading cause of death among girls aged 15–19 years. However, there is a growing concern that suicide research has paid little attention to pregnant adolescent girls, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries, including Ghana, where nearly one in seven adolescents experiences (unwanted) pregnancy.

A new body of research suggests that by adopting a specific suicide prevention protocol called the Zero Suicide (ZS) Model health systems can reduce suicide rates among their patients by 25%. Over the course of eight years, researchers at Henry Ford Health and Kaiser Permanente examined implementation of the ZS Model in primary care and behavioral health settings. Previously, the method had only been studied at Henry Ford Health, the Detroit-based health system where the model was founded in 2001. 

Exposure to gun violence can severely impact one’s mental health, often leading to depression, suicidal ideation and increased need for mental health support and resources, according to a Rutgers Health study.