Emerging trends in suicide prevention research

Abstract

Purpose of review: The purpose of this article is to present notable findings and developments in suicide prevention research and in particular, strategies to detect persons at risk for suicide as well as strategies to reduce suicide risk among the general population and specific risk groups. Recent findings: Popular strategies to detect persons at risk for suicide include scanning social media posts, prediction models using electronic health record data as well as the use of experienced sampling methodology to enhance our understanding of the suicidal process. Emerging approaches to reduce suicide risk include the development of media reporting recommendations, mass media campaigns to improve knowledge, attitudes and behaviour as well as technology-enhanced interventions. Summary: Recently, promising approaches to detect individuals at risk for suicide as well as effective strategies to reduce suicide risk emerged. Whether these new opportunities will translate into an effective reduction in suicide rates remains to be demonstrated.