Indigenous mental health: an interview with Prof. Ernest Hunter...

In this Rural Health Education Foundation (RHEF) podcast Prof. Hunter discusses the links between self-harm, violence, suicide and the Indigenous community's general welfare. For more information go to RHEF webpage

SUICIDE & LIFE-THREATENING BEHAVIOR

Issue 36, Number 2, April 2006

Issue includes:

• Integratively assessing risk and protective factors for adolescent suicide
• Negative bodily self in suicide attempters
• Parents' and teachers' concordance with children's self-ratings of suicidality: findings from a high-risk sample
• Strengthening the validity of population-based suicide rate comparisons: an illustration using U.S. military and civilian data
• Epidemiology of nonfatal deliberate self-harm in the United States as described in three medical databases
• Psychiatric hospitalisation after deliberate self-poisoning
• Suicide risk at juvenile justice intake

Blueprint for Maintaining the Mental Health and Wellbeing of the People on NSW Farms

NSW Farmers Association brought together a group of key stakeholders in the area of rural mental health, to discuss how best to work together to address rural and remote mental health issues. This forum, held in June 2005, resulted in the creation of a formal Rural Mental Health Network and a NSW Farmers Blueprint for Maintaining the Mental Health and Wellbeing of the People on NSW Farms.

Silent distress goes unheard: Farmers' organisations are worried at the continued toll of suicide in rural areas.

Article in: The Australian, May 13, 2006

"According to Australian Bureau of Statistics figures, 12 in every 100,000 people living in a capital city committed suicide between 1988 and 1998. However, in rural areas up to 17 people in every 100,000 committed suicide.

About 18 months ago the NSW Farmers Association, along with 19 health, financial assistance and social welfare groups, formed the Rural Mental Health Network to find a solution to what it describes as a devastating crisis crippling many rural communities.

After assessing feedback from the group's work during the past year, the network last week released a plan outlining 23 areas of action to deal with the lack of mental health services in rural and regional areas. "

$40m cost rules out safety upgrades for jail cells

Article in: The Advertiser, 12 May 2006, pg 24

"A CALL to upgrade all prison cells in SA to make them safe and prevent prisoner suicides has been rejected by the State Government as too costly. In a report to Parliament into the death in custody of a man at the Adelaide Remand Centre in 2003, the Correctional Services Department says it would cost more than $40 million. ...The report says the Government is satisfied other targeted initiatives to reduce deaths in custody are the best way to address the issue."

Effect of month of birth on the risk of suicide

Article in: The British Journal of Psychiatry, (2006) 188: 416-422

Aims: To examine the association between suicide and month of birth using suicide data for a 22-year period in England and Wales. The sample size of 26 915 suicides greatly exceeds all previous studies.

Results: Birth rates of people who later kill themselves show disproportionate excess for April, May and June compared with the other months. Overall, we found an increase of 17% in the risk of suicide for people born in the peak month (spring–early summer) compared with those born in the trough month (autumn–early winter); this risk increase was larger for women (29.6%) than for men (13.7%).

Break-ups can spark self harm

Article in: Hobart Mercury, 6 May 2006, page 13

Professor John Macdonald said many men who committed suicide had no history of mental illness or depression...."It's time social factors, like family breakdown and unemployment, are considered alongside the need to improve mental health resources." "A purely medical response to suicide prevention hasn't been enough to reverse the horrific statistics.
Prof Macdonald was a key speaker at a suicide prevention forum in Sydney this week

Gap in care for young raises risk of self-harm

Article in: The West Australian, 6 May 2006

"Services for vulnerable young people who harm themselves or attempt suicide are still lacking in WA....The Public Administration committee, part of the Legislative Council, is checking on the progress of recommendations made in the Auditor-General's 2001 and 2005 reports into the management of self-harm in young people. "

Recently Published

Suicide in older people without psychiatric disorder
Article in: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Vol 21 (4): 363-367, APR 2006

Coping and Complicated Grief in Survivors of Homicide and Suicide Decedents

Article in: Journal of Forensic Nursing, 2006;2(1):25-32

This article summarizes a comprehensive literature review and explores research of coping strategies used by survivors of homicide and suicide decedents. The relationship of these survivors' coping strategies to the development of complicated grief is also examined....There may be more that first-responders (law enforcement, paramedics, and medical examiner/coroner's office personnel) can do to decrease the development of complicated grief if they use interventions designed to help the survivors at the scene.

Volunteers step in on suicide watch

Article in: The Sydney Morning Herald, 3 May 2006, page 2

"Years of government inaction and a suicide rate twice the national average has forced rural groups and the NSW Farmers Association to step in to ease the mental health crisis gripping regional areas. As the drought enters its fifth year, farmers, their families, schools, businesses and non-government groups are struggling to cope.

"It is critically important we don't let people fall through the gaps, because the people who fall through the gaps end up being statistics," said Jock Laurie, a spokesman for the newly formed Rural Mental Health Network and president of the NSW Farmers Association. The Farmers Association, along with 18 other organisations - including the Rural Doctors Association, the Country Women's Association, Wesley Counselling and the St Vincent de Paul Society - met yesterday to launch the network's Mental Health Blueprint.

The blueprint includes 22 areas of action, such as mental health first-aid training, farm support, access to financial counsellors and drought support workers, and improved drug and alcohol programs. "

POSITION VACANT

Mental Health Program Manager

The Adelaide Central & Eastern Division of General Practice (ACEDGP) is an inner-eastern metropolitan organisation supporting its 370 GP members to provide improved services to the community. The ACE Division has an exciting opportunity for an experienced program manager/coordinator to manage our Mental Health Program.
The MHPM leads, co-ordinates and manages the Division's mental health care activities centered on three specific initiatives:
1. The Better Outcomes in Mental Health - GPs Accessing Allied Health;
2. The Statewide Mental Health Shared Care and
3. The National Suicide Prevention Strategy.

This position is full-time, reports directly the CEO and is based at our Glenside offices. In order to secure the best candidate (subject to experience and qualifications) we are offering a very attractive salary package. Applicants with program management/coordination skills together with knowledge of the mental health system are encouraged to apply. Experience directly or indirectly within a Division environment highly desired. For more information please call Deb Dutton on 0434 275 543.

Advertised on Seek.com

Male suicides linked to 'tough' attitude

Article in: The Australian, May 02, 2006

"Australian men tried to "tough out" their problems rather than seek help, a leading suicide expert said today.
Suicide Prevention Australia chairman Michael Dudley said many men were stuck on outdated values and kept emotional issues to themselves...."They have a stoic kind of attitude and tend to think of emotional problems as some kind of moral problem or a character failing," Dr Dudley told the inaugural National Forum on Men and Suicide in Sydney."

Bid to stamp out male suicide by 2030

Article in: The Australian, May 03, 2006

"A national suicide forum has ended in Sydney today with a bold plan to stamp out male suicide by 2030.
Research shows that every day five men take their life in Australia....The inaugural National Forum on Men and Suicide wrapped up with a commitment to tackle the tragedy of male suicide."

Sleep and Youth Suicidal Behavior: A Neglected Field

Article from: Current Opinion in Psychiatry. 2006;19(3):288-293.

"This review focuses on recent literature on the relationship between sleep and suicidal behavior and proposes directions for future research.
Recent Findings: ....Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that insomnia, nightmares, and sleep insufficiency are associated with elevated risk for suicide. Although the link between insomnia and suicidal behavior appears to be mediated by depression, existing data suggest an independent predictive role of nightmares in future suicidal behavior....
Summary: Sleep loss or disturbances are likely to signal an increased risk of future suicidal action in adolescents"

POSITION VACANT

SUICIDE PREVENTION STRATEGY OFFICER

Responsible for developing, promoting, monitoring and evaluating policy and strategies for suicide prevention in Tasmania. This will include particular emphasis on promotion and prevention policies and strategies. $58,562-$61-911 per annum. Position based in Hobart
Contact: Mark Frohmader on (03) 6233 2283 or email mark.frohmader@dhhs.tas.gov.au
Vacancy No: 512197

For position and application information ? visit www.jobs.tas.gov.au or email dhhs.pd@dhhs.tas.gov.au. Forward your application by Wednesday 3 May 2006 to: The Recruitment Unit, GPO Box 125, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001 or by email to dhhs.recruitment@dhhs.tas.gov.au

Advertised on the CareerOne website

SPEAKERS: WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY

9TH September, Brisbane

The Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention (AISRAP), and CAPS (Community Action for the Prevention of Suicide Inc) are looking for speakers with experience in suicide prevention to present at their World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) All-day Educational Forum on the 9th September (a Saturday) this year.

The official World Suicide Prevention Day is actually the 10th September, they believe that the All Day Forum will best attract delegates on the Saturday, and will be holding a fund-raising concert and other activities on the Sunday 10th. Brisbane City Hall will be the venue for this Forum. All speakers will have flights and accommodation and dinner paid for. They have yet to clarify the precise times, topics, and proceedings for this ALL DAY FORUM.

Whilst specific themes have not been finalised, overall themes include: suicide prevention and community stigma/awareness, or any high risk group topics within the field of suicide prevention . Our target is the community (general public) as well as workers in the field. Could you please contact Jacinta ASAP on your availability and willingness to accept this invitation? For your information - The CAPS website - http://www.caps.org.au/ provides information on CAPS, as well as last years topics/presenters and forum proceedings for WSPD.
Please contact: Jacinta Hawgood
Lecturer
Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention (AISRAP) andWHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention
Mt Gravatt Campus, Griffith University
NATHAN QLD 4111
Ph: 07 3875 3394Fax: 07 3875 3450
Email: Jacinta.Hawgood@griffith.edu.auwww.griffith.edu.au/aisrap

Senate Select Committee on Mental Health: Report Released

A national approach to mental health - from crisis to community
First report

This inquiry by the Select Committee on Mental Health has been a unique opportunity to meet with people in the mental health sector, be they consumers, carers, health professionals or administrators. The committee has now produced it's first report: http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/mentalhealth_ctte/report/index.htm

Excerpt
17.8 The committee recommends that the Australian Health Ministers agree to (among many other recommendations):

• Integrate the NMHS, National Drug Strategy, National Suicide Prevention Strategy and the National Alcohol Strategy and the delivery of services under these strategies.
• report on measurable targets such as suicide rates, homelessness, use of involuntary treatment orders, medication rates for high prevalence disorders, incarceration rates, and rates of engagement in education and the workforce.

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS IN SUICIDE PREVENTION RESEARCH post doc training.
UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER MEDICAL CENTER (URMC)
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY FELLOWSHIPS
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS IN SUICIDE PREVENTION RESEARCH

The URMC Department of Psychiatry Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide (CSPS) seeks applicants for research training fellowships in suicide prevention across the life span. Suicide and attempted suicide are major public health problems, as recognized by the U.S. Surgeon General and the U.S. Congress. Currently there are few researchers who devote their efforts to investigating risk factors associated with suicidal behavior; to developing new approaches for preventing suicide or attempted suicide; to developing and testing clinical interventions with higher risk clinical or community populations; or to evaluating ongoing efforts to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with suicide and attempted suicide, and their antecedents. The Department has sponsored and supported research training for two decades, and its mentoring and research support infrastructure has successfully fostered the careers of many NIH-funded investigators. This fellowship, supported by a National Research Service Award grant from NIMH, is designed for individuals aspiring to academic research careers. Positions are available for up to three years. Core areas of skill development include: psychopathology and psychosocial research across the lifespan, research design and methods, biostatistics, grant writing and writing for publication, and the ethics of research. The Department is a vibrant, multidisciplinary research environment that vigorously supports academic development. Trainees with backgrounds in psychiatry or other relevant medical specialties, nursing. psychology, social work,, or public health are encouraged to apply by submitting a c.v. and statement of career goals and interests, and arranging to have three letters of recommendation forwarded to Dr. Yeates Conwell. Members of under-represented minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
A/A, EOE, M/F Deadline: 19 May 2006

Contact Information: Yeates Conwell, MD Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center 300 Crittenden Blvd., Rochester, NY 14642-8409 Yeates_Conwell@urmc.rochester.edu
(P) 585-275-6739
(F) 585-273-1066

RECENTLY PUBLISHED ARTICLES

Suicide behaviour over 18 months in recent onset schizophrenic patients: The effects of CBT
In: SCHIZOPHRENIA RESEARCH, Vol. 83 (1): 15-27, MAR 2006

Parent-child relationships as systems of support or risk for adolescent suicidality
In: JOURNAL OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY, Vol. 20 (1): 143-155, MAR 2006

The psychological health of sole mothers in Australia
In: MEDICAL JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIA, Vol. 184 (6): 265-268, MAR 20 2006
Conclusions: Economic status partly accounts for the relatively poorer psychological health of sole mothers. Sole mothers are more likely than other women to experience debilitating psychological health problems.

A pilot study on differences in aggression in New York City and Madrid, Spain, and their possible impact on suicidal behavior
In: JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHIATRY, Vol. 67 (3): 375-380, MAR 2006

Relationship between antidepressant sales and secular trends in suicide rates in the Nordic countries
In: BRITISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY, Vol. 188: 354-358, APR 2006

The impact of fathers' physical and psychosocial work conditions on attempted and completed suicide among their children - art. no. 77
In: BMC PUBLIC HEALTH, Vol. 6: 77-77, MAR 27 2006

Alcohol consumption, alcoholics anonymous membership, and suicide mortality rates, Ontario, 1968-1991
In: JOURNAL OF STUDIES ON ALCOHOL, Vol. 67 (3): 445-453, MAY 2006

Adolescent mental health literacy: Young people's knowledge of depression and help seeking
In: JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENCE, Vol. 29 (2): 225-239, APR 2006

Mortality in relation to employment status during different levels of unemployment
In: SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Vol. 34 (2): 159-167, APR 2006

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in pediatric depression: Is the balance between benefits and risks favorable?
In: JOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY, Vol. 16 (1-2): 11-24, FEB-APR 2006

Suicidal adverse events in pediatric randomized, controlled clinical trials of antidepressant drugs are associated with active drug treatment: A meta-analysis
In: JOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY, Vol. 16 (1-2): 25-32, FEB-APR 2006
Conclusions: In short-term, placebo-controlled, pediatric studies of antidepressants, active drug treatment was associated with a rate of serious suicidal events almost twice that of placebo.

An international, multicenter, placebo-controlled trial of paroxetine in adolescents with major depressive disorder
In: JOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY, Vol. 16 (1-2): 59-75, FEB-APR 2006

Evaluation of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and adolescents taking paroxetine
In: JOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY, Vol. 16 (1-2): 77-90, FEB-APR 2006

Treatment benefit and the risk of suicidality in multicenter, randomized, controlled trials of sertraline in children and adolescents
In: JOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY, Vol. 16 (1-2): 91-102, FEB-APR 2006

Antidepressant side effects in children and adolescents
In: JOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY, Vol. 16 (1-2): 147-157, FEB-APR 2006

Managing depression and suicide risk in men presenting to primary care physicians
In: PRIMARY CARE, Vol. 33 (1): 211+ , MAR 2006

Suicide rates in short-term randomized controlled trials of newer antidepressants
In: JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY, Vol. 26 (2): 203-207, APR 2006