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New Insights into Suicide and Mental Health Conditions
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New Insights into Suicide and Mental Health Conditions

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2025 | Viewed by 5768

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Cory R. Weissman

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
Interests: treatment-resistant depression; suicidality; suicidal ideation; clinical trials; neurophysiology; novel interventions; brain stimulation; magnetic seizure therapy; repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation; psychedelics; psilocybin
Dr. Zafiris Daskalakis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
Interests: psychosis; depression; transcranial magnetic stimulation; brain stimulation; electroencephalography

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Suicide is the most severe outcome for patients under psychiatric care. The rate of suicide is increasing in the US and in other developed countries. The vast majority of individuals who die by suicide suffer from co-morbid psychiatric illnesses, and many had contact with providers prior to their deaths. Interventions to reduce suicidal ideation and prevent suicide are limited. Therefore, there is an urgent need for researchers to develop effective and pragmatic interventions to target the growing suicide epidemic.

The goal of this Special Issue is to focus on research into novel interventions to reduce suicidal ideation, suicidal behavior, and suicide completions. The emphasis in this Special Issue will be on novel brain-based interventions that are tied to the underlying neurobiology or neurophysiology of pathological brain processes in suicide. In this issue, we also invite authors to explore novel clinical trial methodologies that may be employed in this population.

Through the advancement of our knowledge of new interventions to prevent suicide and novel methods of assessing this condition, we hope to progress this field and improve our ability to treat this devastating condition.

Dr. Cory R. Weissman
Dr. Zafiris Jeff Daskalakis
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Clinical Medicine is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • suicide prevention
  • clinical trial design
  • pharmacological interventions
  • brain stimulation
  • novel interventions

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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14 pages, 1152 KiB  
Article
Suicidality in Adolescence: Insights from Self-Reports on Depression and Suicidal Tendencies
by Marika Orlandi, Erica Casini, Diletta Cristina Pratile, Chiara Iussi, Cecilia Ghiazza, Renato Borgatti and Martina Maria Mensi
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(4), 1106; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14041106 - 9 Feb 2025
Viewed by 765
Abstract
Background and Objectives. Suicide represents a primary global health concern, particularly among young individuals aged 15 to 29. Clinicians are actively engaged in efforts to prevent suicide and implement timely interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of self-reported measures in [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives. Suicide represents a primary global health concern, particularly among young individuals aged 15 to 29. Clinicians are actively engaged in efforts to prevent suicide and implement timely interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of self-reported measures in differentiating between adolescents exhibiting suicidal ideation (SI) only and those at risk or with a previous history of suicide attempts (SA). Methods. Seventy-eight adolescent patients (mean age: 15.53 ± 1.49) were classified into two groups using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). Forty-five patients presented with SI but lacked a prior history of SA, while 33 adolescents had a documented history of either concrete or interrupted SA. Notably, all participants in the SA group also reported SI. Participants completed the Multi-Attitude Suicide Tendency Scale (MAST) and the Beck Depression Inventory-Short Form (BDI-SF) to assess protective and risk factors associated with suicidality, as well as perceived depression. Results. Attraction toward life (AL) exhibited a negative correlation with perceived depression in both groups, whereas attraction toward death (AD) was positively correlated with depression in the SA group. In the SI group, scores for repulsion by life (RL) demonstrated a positive correlation with depression. Furthermore, RL scores were significantly higher in the SA group. ROC analysis revealed good accuracy for both assessment tools in differentiating the two groups. Conclusions. The BDI-SF and MAST are effective instruments for identifying adolescents at risk for suicide and implementing tailored preventive and therapeutic interventions. The user-friendly nature and adaptability make those self-report measures useful in various settings, allowing administration without clinician involvement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Suicide and Mental Health Conditions)
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19 pages, 1868 KiB  
Article
Music-Based Cognitive Training for Adults with Major Depressive Disorder and Suicide Risk: A Pilot Study
by Melissa Tan, Steffi Friyia, Corene Hurt-Thaut, Sakina J. Rizvi and Michael H. Thaut
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(3), 757; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14030757 - 24 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1721
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Cognitive challenges in attention and executive function worsen over time in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicidal risk. These difficulties persist beyond acute episodes, with limited targeted treatments available. Neurologic music therapy (NMT) is effective for cognitive rehabilitation in [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Cognitive challenges in attention and executive function worsen over time in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicidal risk. These difficulties persist beyond acute episodes, with limited targeted treatments available. Neurologic music therapy (NMT) is effective for cognitive rehabilitation in brain injuries and developmental disabilities, suggesting potential benefits for adults with MDD and suicide risk. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of short-term NMT on cognitive function in adults with MDD. Methods: Adults aged 18+ with MDD and suicidal ideations participated in an 8-week single-arm open label study with 45-min individual in-person NMT sessions using musical attention control training (MACT) and musical executive function training (MEFT). Participants provided feedback on feasibility and acceptability, and pre- and post-intervention assessments included neurocognitive tasks and questionnaires on suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, and quality of life. Results: A total of 18 individuals enrolled, and 10 participants completed the study protocol. Of the participants, 100% were satisfied with their experience with NMT, with 100% noting improvements in attention and 80% in executive function. Participants experienced some improvements in short-term memory (Digit Span Forward Test), cognitive flexibility (Trail Making Test B), and inhibitory control (Stroop Task). Significant reduction in suicidal ideation intensity (Beck Suicidal Scale of Ideation) was observed, as well as significant improvements in quality of life. Conclusions: This is the first study using NMT to demonstrate feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness with respect to cognitive function in adults with MDD and suicide risk, providing preliminary data for future randomized controlled trials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Suicide and Mental Health Conditions)
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15 pages, 235 KiB  
Article
Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among Health Care Trainees, Staff and Faculty at an Academic Medical Center
by Sijia Zhang, Sidney Zisook, Judy Davidson, Desiree Shapiro and Neal Doran
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(2), 574; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14020574 - 17 Jan 2025
Viewed by 768
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Health care workers are at greater risk for death by suicide compared to the general population and are less likely to seek assistance. More information about correlates of suicidality and treatment-seeking behavior are needed to reduce risk. Methods: The American [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Health care workers are at greater risk for death by suicide compared to the general population and are less likely to seek assistance. More information about correlates of suicidality and treatment-seeking behavior are needed to reduce risk. Methods: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention developed an Interactive Screening Program to identify and engage at-risk staff and trainees in health care settings. The study reports on the prevalence and demographic and clinical predictors of current suicidal thoughts, behaviors and mental health treatment at a single site (n = 5898) from 2009 to 2024. Results: The study found that 18.2% of respondents reported current suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These were more common among respondents who were younger, male, and who identified as a race/ethnicity other than non-Hispanic White. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors were more likely among those with higher PHQ-8 scores (OR = 1.23, p < 0.01) and those who endorsed maladaptive coping behaviors, hopelessness, loneliness, stress and nervousness (ORs 1.36–3.04, ps < 0.01). Current mental health treatment was more likely among women, non-Hispanic White respondents compared with Asian or Pacific Islander respondents, and nurses relative to physicians. Mental health treatment was also associated with higher PHQ-8 scores, lifetime suicide attempts, difficulty controlling eating and alcohol consumption, and recent feelings of anxiety, stress and nervousness. Conclusions: Findings suggest a continued need to identify and engage health care trainees and staff who are at risk for suicide and to establish new approaches to linking these individuals to resources or interventions aimed at reducing risk. The study identified male and/or Asian/Pacific Islander-identifying health care workers who reported intense loneliness and/or hopelessness, use of non-prescription drugs and recent suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors as high-risk individuals who may require enhanced methods of outreach, identification, acceptance and accessibility of treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Suicide and Mental Health Conditions)
12 pages, 1070 KiB  
Article
Validation of the Colombian–Spanish Suicidality Scale for Screening Suicide Risk in Clinical and Community Settings
by Ana María Arenas Dávila, Katherine Pastrana Arias, Óscar Mauricio Castaño Ramírez, Pamela Van den Enden, Juan Carlos Castro Navarro, Santiago González Giraldo, Doris Mileck Vera Higuera and Keith M. Harris
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(24), 7782; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13247782 - 20 Dec 2024
Viewed by 639
Abstract
Background/Objective: This study aimed to validate the eight-item Suicidality Scale (SS) in Spanish in a Colombian sample to aid in suicide risk assessment, given the pressing need for accurate, accessible tools in resource-strained settings. Methods: A sample of 313 participants, drawn [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: This study aimed to validate the eight-item Suicidality Scale (SS) in Spanish in a Colombian sample to aid in suicide risk assessment, given the pressing need for accurate, accessible tools in resource-strained settings. Methods: A sample of 313 participants, drawn from both clinical and community settings, was used to evaluate the psychometric properties of the SS through tests of internal consistency, item response theory (IRT), and comparisons with clinical risk evaluations. Results: The SS demonstrated strong psychometric properties, with high internal consistency (ω = 0.96) and a significant correlation with clinical risk assessments (r = 0.84). Model fit indices confirmed a unidimensional eight-item structure with low error rates, while item response analysis revealed strong item discrimination. No differential item functioning was observed by gender or psychiatric diagnosis, supporting its consistency across demographics. Items on past suicide attempts and desire to live were excluded as they did not improve scale performance. Variability within risk levels suggests that individual differences may require clinical judgment. Conclusions: The findings validate the Colombian–Spanish SS as a valuable tool for suicide risk assessment, usable in both self-report and clinician-administered formats. Its brief, culturally adapted structure supports its utility in resource-limited environments, providing an accessible option for rapid screening. While the SS effectively categorizes general risk, further longitudinal studies are recommended to enhance its applicability in guiding clinical decisions and long-term risk management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Suicide and Mental Health Conditions)
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54 pages, 2946 KiB  
Systematic Review
Psychedelics and Suicide-Related Outcomes: A Systematic Review
by Shakila Meshkat, Taha Malik, Richard Zeifman, Jennifer Swainson, Yanbo Zhang, Lisa Burback, Olga Winkler, Andrew J. Greenshaw, Amy Claire Reichelt, Eric Vermetten, David Erritzoe, Manish K. Jha, Walter Dunn, Rakesh Jetly, Muhammad Ishrat Husain and Venkat Bhat
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(5), 1416; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14051416 - 20 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1527
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Suicide accounts for 1.4% of global deaths, and the slow-acting nature of traditional treatments for suicide risk underscores the need for alternatives. Psychedelic therapies may rapidly reduce suicide risk. This systematic review evaluates impact of psychedelic therapies on suicide-related outcomes. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Suicide accounts for 1.4% of global deaths, and the slow-acting nature of traditional treatments for suicide risk underscores the need for alternatives. Psychedelic therapies may rapidly reduce suicide risk. This systematic review evaluates impact of psychedelic therapies on suicide-related outcomes. Methods: A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted up to November 2024. Results: Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluated suicidality as a secondary outcome or safety measure, showing significant reductions in suicidal ideation with psilocybin (three studies) and MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT; one study). Effect sizes, measured by Cohen’s d, ranged from =0.52 to 1.25 (p = 0.01 to 0.005), with no safety issues reported. Five additional RCTs assessed suicidality as a safety measure, showing reductions in suicidal ideation with psilocybin (two studies) and MDMA-AT (three studies; p = 0.02 to 0.04). Among 24 non-randomized and cross-sectional studies, results were mixed. Psilocybin (three studies) reduced suicidal ideation, with odds ratios (OR) of 0.40–0.75. MDMA-AT (five studies in PTSD patients) had a pooled effect size of d = 0.61 (95% CI: 0.32–0.89). LSD (six studies) showed increased odds of suicidality, with odds ratios ranging from 1.15 to 2.08. Studies involving DMT (two studies) and multiple psychedelics (three studies) showed mixed results, with DMT studies not showing significant effects on suicidality and studies involving multiple psychedelics showing varying outcomes, some reporting reductions in suicidal ideation and others showing no significant change. Conclusions: The effect of psychedelic therapies on suicide-related outcomes remains inconclusive, highlighting the need for further trials to clarify safety and therapeutic mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Suicide and Mental Health Conditions)
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