Research interests

  • Interests
    Mental Health

Publications

  • 30.76
    Impact points
    Implementation of mental health service recommendations in England and Wales and suicide rates, 1997-2006: a cross-sectional and before-and-after observational study.

    David While, Harriet Bickley, Alison Roscoe, Kirsten Windfuhr, Shaiyan Rahman, Jenny Shaw, Louis Appleby, Navneet Kapur

    Lancet. 02/2012;

    BACKGROUND: Research investigating which aspects of mental health service provision are most effective in prevention of suicide is scarce. We aimed to examine the uptake of key mental health service recommendations over time and to investigate the association between their implementation and suicide... [more] BACKGROUND: Research investigating which aspects of mental health service provision are most effective in prevention of suicide is scarce. We aimed to examine the uptake of key mental health service recommendations over time and to investigate the association between their implementation and suicide rates. METHODS: We did a descriptive, cross-sectional, and before-and-after analysis of national suicide data in England and Wales. We collected data for individuals who died by suicide between 1997 and 2006 who were in contact with mental health services in the 12 months before death. Data were obtained as part of the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness. When denominator data were missing, we used information from the Mental Health Minimum Data Set. We compared suicide rates for services implementing most of the recommendations with those implementing fewer recommendations and examined rates before and after implementation. We stratified results for level of socioeconomic deprivation and size of service provider. FINDINGS: The average number of recommendations implemented increased from 0·3 per service in 1998 to 7·2 in 2006. Implementation of recommendations was associated with lower suicide rates in both cross-sectional and before-and-after analyses. The provision of 24 h crisis care was associated with the biggest fall in suicide rates: from 11·44 per 10 000 patient contacts per year (95% CI 11·12-11·77) before to 9·32 (8·99-9·67) after (p<0·0001). Local policies on patients with dual diagnosis (10·55; 10·23-10·89 before vs 9·61; 9·18-10·05 after, p=0·0007) and multidisciplinary review after suicide (11·59; 11·31-11·88 before vs 10·48; 10·13-10·84 after, p<0·0001) were also associated with falling rates. Services that did not implement recommendations had little reduction in suicide. The biggest falls in suicide seemed to be in services with the most deprived catchment areas (incidence rate ratio 0·90; 95% CI 0·88-0·92) and the most patients (0·86; 0·84-0·88). INTERPRETATION: Our findings suggest that aspects of provision of mental health services can affect suicide rates in clinical populations. Investigation of the relation between new initiatives and suicide could help to inform future suicide prevention efforts and improve safety for patients receiving mental health care. FUNDING: National Patient Safety Agency, UK.
  • 5.78
    Impact points
    Trends in rates of mental illness in homicide perpetrators.

    Nicola Swinson, Sandra M Flynn, David While, Alison Roscoe, Navneet Kapur, Louis Appleby, Jenny Shaw

    The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science. 06/2011; 198(6):485-9.

    The rise in homicides by those with serious mental illness is of concern, although this increase may not be continuing. To examine rates of mental illness among homicide perpetrators. A national consecutive case series of homicide perpetrators in England and Wales from 1997 to 2006. Rates of mental ... [more] The rise in homicides by those with serious mental illness is of concern, although this increase may not be continuing. To examine rates of mental illness among homicide perpetrators. A national consecutive case series of homicide perpetrators in England and Wales from 1997 to 2006. Rates of mental disorder were based on data from psychiatric reports, contact with psychiatric services, diminished responsibility verdict and hospital disposal. Of the 5884 homicides notified to the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness between 1997 and 2006, the number of homicide perpetrators with schizophrenia increased at a rate of 4% per year, those with psychotic symptoms at the time of the offence increased by 6% per year. The number of verdicts of diminished responsibility decreased but no change was found in the number of perpetrators receiving a hospital order disposal. The likeliest explanation for the rise in homicide by people with psychosis is the misuse of drugs and/or alcohol, which our data show increased at a similar magnitude to homicides by those with psychotic symptoms. However, we are unable to demonstrate a causal association. Although the Poisson regression provides evidence of an upward trend in homicide by people with serious mental illness between 1997 and 2006, the number of homicides fell in the final 2 years of data collection, so these findings should be treated with caution. There appears to be a concomitant increase in drug misuse over the period, which may account for this rise in homicide. However, an increase in the number of people in contact with mental health services may suggest that access to mental health services is improving. Previous studies have used court verdicts such as diminished responsibility as a proxy measure of mental disorder. Our data indicate that this does not reflect accurately the prevalence of mental disorder in this population.
  • 1.48
    Impact points
    Emergency department contact prior to suicide in mental health patients.

    D Da Cruz, A Pearson, P Saini, C Miles, D While, N Swinson, A Williams, J Shaw, L Appleby, N Kapur

    Emergency medicine journal : EMJ. 06/2011; 28(6):467-71.

    To describe attendance at emergency departments (EDs) in the year prior to suicide for a sample of mental health patients. To examine the characteristics of those who attended (particularly those who attended frequently) prior to suicide. Case review of ED records for 286 individuals who died within... [more] To describe attendance at emergency departments (EDs) in the year prior to suicide for a sample of mental health patients. To examine the characteristics of those who attended (particularly those who attended frequently) prior to suicide. Case review of ED records for 286 individuals who died within 12 months of mental health contact in North West England (2003-2005). Cases identified through the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide were checked against regional EDs to establish attendance in the year prior to death. Records were examined to establish the number of attendances, reason for the final, non-fatal attendance, treatment offered and outcome. One hundred and twenty-four (43%) individuals had attended the ED at least once in the year prior to their death, and of these, 35 (28%) had attended the ED on more than three occasions. These frequent attenders died by suicide significantly sooner after their final, non-fatal attendance than other attenders. A clinical history of alcohol misuse was also associated with early death following ED attendance. Over 40% of our clinical sample attended an ED in the year prior to death, and some individuals attended particularly frequently. EDs may therefore represent an important additional setting for suicide prevention in mental health patients. The majority of attendances prior to suicide were for self-harm or to request psychiatric help. Clinicians should be alert to the risk associated with such presentations and to the possible association between frequent attendance and suicide.
  • 2.37
    Impact points
    Mental illness, gender and homicide: a population-based descriptive study.

    Sandra Flynn, Kathryn M Abel, David While, Hetal Mehta, Jenny Shaw

    Psychiatry research. 02/2011; 185(3):368-75.

    In England and Wales, a lifetime history of mental disorder is recorded in almost a third of homicides but mental illness as a defence in homicide cases has recently come under review. In this study, we aimed to compare the social, criminological and clinical characteristics of women and men convict... [more] In England and Wales, a lifetime history of mental disorder is recorded in almost a third of homicides but mental illness as a defence in homicide cases has recently come under review. In this study, we aimed to compare the social, criminological and clinical characteristics of women and men convicted of homicide and secondly, to understand how pathways through the judicial system differ by gender of the perpetrator, characteristics of the offence and mental illness. A cross sectional study of 4572 convicted homicide perpetrators in England and Wales 1997-2004 was performed. Significantly more women who had committed homicide had a lifetime history of mental illness and were more likely to be mentally ill at the time of offence compared to men. Women more often received non-custodial sentences, whether or not they had mental illness. If the victim were a child or other relative, the courts were more lenient with women. Gender and the presence of mental illness both influence the characteristics of homicide and outcome of the legal process in the UK. Our findings suggest that all perpetrators of homicide should have a psychiatric assessment pre-trial. Psychiatrists need to rate risk objectively in a gender blind way when providing psychiatric reports to be used as evidence in court.
  • 1.14
    Impact points
    Birthday blues: examining the association between birthday and suicide in a national sample.

    Alyson Williams, David While, Kirsten Windfuhr, Harriet Bickley, Isabelle M Hunt, Jenny Shaw, Louis Appleby, Navneet Kapur

    Crisis. 01/2011; 32(3):134-42.

    Socioculturally meaningful events have been shown to influence the timing of suicide, but the influence of psychiatric disorder on these associations has seldom been studied. To investigate the association between birthday and increased risk of suicide in the general population and in a national sam... [more] Socioculturally meaningful events have been shown to influence the timing of suicide, but the influence of psychiatric disorder on these associations has seldom been studied. To investigate the association between birthday and increased risk of suicide in the general population and in a national sample of psychiatric patients. Data on general population suicides and suicide by individuals in recent care of mental health services were examined for day of death in relation to one's birthday using Poisson regression analysis. An increased risk of suicide was observed on day of one's birthday itself for males in both the general population (IRR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.18-1.64, p < .01) and the clinical population (IRR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.07-2.07, p = .03), especially for those aged 35 years and older. In the clinical population, risk was restricted to male patients aged 35-54 and risk extended to the 3 days prior to one's birthday. Birthdays are periods of increased risk for men aged 35 and older in the general population and in those receiving mental health care. Raising health-care professionals' awareness of patient groups at greater risk at this personally significant time may benefit care planning and could facilitate suicide prevention in these individuals.
  • Suicide prevention in primary care: General practitioners' views on service availability.

    Pooja Saini, Kirsten Windfuhr, Anna Pearson, Damian Da Cruz, Caroline Miles, Lis Cordingley, David While, Nicola Swinson, Alyson Williams, Jenny Shaw, Louis Appleby, Navneet Kapur

    BMC research notes. 10/2010; 3:246.

    Primary care may be a key setting for suicide prevention. However, comparatively little is known about the services available in primary care for suicide prevention. The aims of the current study were to describe services available in general practices for the management of suicidal patients and to ... [more] Primary care may be a key setting for suicide prevention. However, comparatively little is known about the services available in primary care for suicide prevention. The aims of the current study were to describe services available in general practices for the management of suicidal patients and to examine GPs views on these services. We carried out a questionnaire and interview study in the North West of England. We collected data on GPs views of suicide prevention generally as well as local mental health service provision. During the study period (2003-2005) we used the National Confidential Inquiry Suicide database to identify 286 general practitioners (GPs) who had registered patients who had died by suicide. Data were collected from GPs and practice managers in 167 practices. Responses suggested that there was greater availability of services and training for general mental health issues than for suicide prevention specifically. The three key themes which emerged from GP interviews were: barriers accessing primary or secondary mental health services; obstacles faced when referring a patient to mental health services; managing change within mental health care services Health professionals have an important role to play in preventing suicide. However, GPs expressed concerns about the quality of primary care mental health service provision and difficulties with access to secondary mental health services. Addressing these issues could facilitate future suicide prevention in primary care.
  • 3.65
    Impact points
    The incidence and associated risk factors for sudden unexplained death in psychiatric in-patients in England and Wales.

    Kirsten Windfuhr, Pauline Turnbull, David While, Nicola Swinson, Hetal Mehta, Kelly Hadfield, Urara Hiroeh, Helen Watkinson, Clare Dixon, Sandra Flynn, Simon Thomas, Glyn Lewis, I N Ferrier, Tim Amos, Petros Skapinakis, Jenny Shaw, Nav Kapur, Louis Appleby

    Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England). 10/2010; 25(11):1533-42.

    Clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with sudden unexplained death (SUD) in the psychiatric population are unclear. Psychiatric in-patients (England, Wales) who met criteria for SUD were identified (1 March 1999-31 December 2005). Cases were matched with controls (in-patients alive o... [more] Clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with sudden unexplained death (SUD) in the psychiatric population are unclear. Psychiatric in-patients (England, Wales) who met criteria for SUD were identified (1 March 1999-31 December 2005). Cases were matched with controls (in-patients alive on the day a SUD occurred). Data were collected via questionnaires. Some 283 cases of SUD were identified (41 annually), with a rate of 2.33/10,000 mental health admissions (in England). Electrocardiograms were not routine, cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment was sometimes unavailable, attempts to resuscitate patients were carried out on one-half of all patients and post mortems/inquiries were not routine. Restraint and seclusion were uncommon. Risk factors included: benzodiazepines (odds ratio (OR): 1.83); ≥ 2 antipsychotics (OR: 2.35); promazine (OR: 4.02); diazepam (OR: 1.71); clozapine (OR: 2.10); cardiovascular disease (OR: 2.00); respiratory disease (OR: 1.98); diagnosis of dementia (OR: 2.08). Venlafaxine and a diagnosis of affective disorder were associated with reduced ORs (OR: 0.42; OR: 0.65). SUD is relatively rare, although it is more common in older patients and males. Prevention measures may include safer prescribing of antipsychotics and improved physical health care. The contribution of restraint or seclusion to SUD in individual cases is unclear. A uniform definition of SUD may help to identify contributing factors.
  • 1.80
    Impact points
    A population-based study of juvenile perpetrators of homicide in England and Wales.

    Cathryn Rodway, Victoria Norrington-Moore, David While, Isabelle M Hunt, Sandra Flynn, Nicola Swinson, Alison Roscoe, Louis Appleby, Jenny Shaw

    Journal of adolescence. 04/2010; 34(1):19-28.

    This study aimed to describe the social, behavioural and offence characteristics of all convicted perpetrators of homicide aged 17 and under; to examine their previous contact with mental health services, and to discuss strategies for homicide prevention. An eight-year (1996-2004) sample of 363 juve... [more] This study aimed to describe the social, behavioural and offence characteristics of all convicted perpetrators of homicide aged 17 and under; to examine their previous contact with mental health services, and to discuss strategies for homicide prevention. An eight-year (1996-2004) sample of 363 juvenile homicide perpetrators in England and Wales was examined. The majority of perpetrators were male, used a sharp instrument, and most victims were acquaintances or strangers. Over half had previously offended. A history of alcohol and/or drug misuse was common, as was the prevalence of family dysfunction, abuse, educational difficulties or discipline problems. Previous contact with mental health services was rare. Earlier intervention targeting social and psychological adversity and substance misuse could help to reduce the level of risk for future violence, and may reduce homicide rates among juveniles. Strengthening engagement with young offenders and increasing resources to prevent recidivism may also be beneficial.
  • 1.45
    Impact points
    Nonresident suicides in England: a national study.

    Kirsten Windfuhr, Harriet Bickley, David While, Alyson Williams, Isabelle M Hunt, Louis Appleby, Navneet Kapur

    Suicide & life-threatening behavior. 04/2010; 40(2):151-8.

    Little is known about the numbers and characteristics of people who travel away from home before dying by suicide. Therefore, this studied attempts to identify the sociodemographic characteristics, location, and method of suicide in people who died distant from home, in a national sample. Data were ... [more] Little is known about the numbers and characteristics of people who travel away from home before dying by suicide. Therefore, this studied attempts to identify the sociodemographic characteristics, location, and method of suicide in people who died distant from home, in a national sample. Data were collected on all English suicides and a patient population; nonresident suicides resided in one Health Authority but died in a different one. Twelve percent of suicides were nonresident and features of these included: young age, social adversity, and severe mental illness. In conclusion, both individual- and area-based factors are likely to contribute to suicide away from home.
  • 1.45
    Impact points
    Method of suicide in the mentally ill: a national clinical survey.

    Isabelle M Hunt, Nicola Swinson, Ben Palmer, Pauline Turnbull, Jayne Cooper, David While, Kirsten Windfuhr, Jenny Shaw, Louis Appleby, Navneet Kapur

    Suicide & life-threatening behavior. 02/2010; 40(1):22-34.

    Comparisons of psychiatric patients who die by suicide using different methods are scarce. We aimed to establish the methods of suicide used by those who are currently or have recently been in contact with mental health services in England and Wales (N = 6,203), and describe the social and clinical ... [more] Comparisons of psychiatric patients who die by suicide using different methods are scarce. We aimed to establish the methods of suicide used by those who are currently or have recently been in contact with mental health services in England and Wales (N = 6,203), and describe the social and clinical characteristics of suicides by different methods. We found that hanging, self-poisoning, and jumping (from a height or in front of a moving vehicle) were the most common methods of suicide, accounting for 79% of all deaths. The implications of these and other findings are discussed.
  • 2.44
    Impact points
    Primary care contact prior to suicide in individuals with mental illness.

    Anna Pearson, Pooja Saini, Damian Da Cruz, Caroline Miles, David While, Nicola Swinson, Alyson Williams, Jenny Shaw, Louis Appleby, Navneet Kapur

    The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners. 11/2009; 59(568):825-32.

    BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported differing rates of consultation with GPs prior to suicide. Patients with a psychiatric history have higher rates of consultation and consult closer to the time of their death. AIM: To investigate the frequency and nature of general practice consultations in... [more] BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported differing rates of consultation with GPs prior to suicide. Patients with a psychiatric history have higher rates of consultation and consult closer to the time of their death. AIM: To investigate the frequency and nature of general practice consultations in the year before suicide for patients in current, or recent, contact with secondary mental health services. DESIGN OF STUDY: Retrospective case-note study and semi-structured interviews. SETTING: General practices in the northwest of England. METHOD: General practice data were obtained by a retrospective review of medical records (n = 247) and semi-structured interviews with GPs (n = 159). RESULTS: GP records were reviewed in 247 of the 286 cases (86%). Overall, 91% of individuals (n = 224) consulted their GP on at least one occasion in the year before death. The median number of consultations was 7 (interquartile range = 3-10). Interviews were carried out with GPs with regard to 159 patients. GPs reported concerns about their patient's safety in 43 (27%) cases, but only 16% of them thought that the suicide could have been prevented. Agreement between GPs and mental health teams regarding risk of suicide was poor. Both sets of clinicians rated moderate to high levels of risk in only 3% of cases for whom information was available (n = 139) (overall kappa = 0.024). CONCLUSION: Consultation prior to suicide is common but suicide prevention in primary care is challenging. Possible strategies might include examining the potential benefits of risk assessment and collaborative working between primary and secondary care.
  • 2.23
    Impact points
    Temporal trends of flour dust exposure in the United Kingdom, 1985-2003.

    Martie van Tongeren, Karen S Galea, John Ticker, David While, Hans Kromhout, John W Cherrie

    Journal of environmental monitoring : JEM. 09/2009; 11(8):1492-7.

    The aim of the study was to examine the long-term changes in inhalation exposure to flour dust in the UK. Flour dust data held in the UK National Exposure DataBase (NEDB) and from one large company from 1985 to 2003 were reviewed. Analysis of the log-transformed data was carried out using linear mix... [more] The aim of the study was to examine the long-term changes in inhalation exposure to flour dust in the UK. Flour dust data held in the UK National Exposure DataBase (NEDB) and from one large company from 1985 to 2003 were reviewed. Analysis of the log-transformed data was carried out using linear mixed effect models and expressed as the relative annual change in exposure. 1451 inhalable flour dust measurements were analysed. The overall mean flour dust levels ranged from 7.8 mg m(-3) in the bakeries to 17.9 mg m(-3) in the flour mills. Analysis of the data obtained from NEDB and industry revealed no statistically significant temporal trends in exposure. Considering these high levels have persisted over the last 20 years, there is a need for government and industry to implement further measures aimed at reducing flour dust exposures and the risk of developing occupational asthma.
  • 1.91
    Impact points
    Trends in Wood Dust Inhalation Exposure in the UK, 1985-2005.

    Karen S Galea, Martie van Tongeren, Anne J Sleeuwenhoek, David While, Mairi Graham, Annette Bolton, Hans Kromhout, John W Cherrie

    The Annals of occupational hygiene. 08/2009;

    OBJECTIVES: Wood dust data held in the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) National Exposure DataBase (NEDB) were reviewed to investigate the long-term changes in inhalation exposure from 1985 to 2005. In addition, follow-up sampling measurements were obtained from selected companies where exposure me... [more] OBJECTIVES: Wood dust data held in the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) National Exposure DataBase (NEDB) were reviewed to investigate the long-term changes in inhalation exposure from 1985 to 2005. In addition, follow-up sampling measurements were obtained from selected companies where exposure measurements had been collected prior to 1994, thereby providing a follow-up period of at least 10 years, to determine whether changes in exposure levels had occurred, with key staff being interviewed to identify factors that might be responsible for any changes observed. METHODS: Analysis of the temporal trend in exposure concentrations was performed using Linear Mixed Effect Models on the log-transformed NEDB data set and expressed as the relative annual change in concentration. RESULTS: For the NEDB wood dust data, an annual decline of geometric mean (GM) exposure of 8.1% per year was found based on 1459 exposure measurements collected between 1985 and 2003. This trend was predominantly observed in data from inspection visits (measurements collected on a mandatory basis by a Specialist HSE Inspector) (n = 1009), while data from representative surveys (measurements collected on a voluntary basis to provide information on current practices and exposures) remained relatively stable. Ten follow-up surveys in individual workplaces in 2004-2005 resulted in 70 new measurements and for each of the companies resurveyed, the GM of the wood dust exposure decreased between sampling surveys. CONCLUSION: Analysis of the temporal trend in UK wood dust exposure concentrations revealed declines of 8% per annum. Interviews with key long-serving employees and management suggest that factors such as technological changes in production processes, response to new legislation, and enforcement agency inspections, together with global economic trends, could be linked to the downward trends observed.
  • 13.05
    Impact points
    Suicide after leaving the UK armed forces--a cohort study.

    Navneet Kapur, David While, Nick Blatchley, Isabelle Bray, Kate Harrison

    PLoS medicine. 04/2009; 6(3):e26.

    BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined suicide risk in individuals once they have left the military. We aimed to investigate the rate, timing, and risk factors for suicide in all those who had left the UK Armed Forces (1996-2005). METHODS AND FINDINGS: We carried out a cohort study of ex-Armed Forces... [more] BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined suicide risk in individuals once they have left the military. We aimed to investigate the rate, timing, and risk factors for suicide in all those who had left the UK Armed Forces (1996-2005). METHODS AND FINDINGS: We carried out a cohort study of ex-Armed Forces personnel by linking national databases of discharged personnel and suicide deaths (which included deaths receiving either a suicide or undetermined verdict). Comparisons were made with both general and serving populations. During the study period 233,803 individuals left the Armed Forces and 224 died by suicide. Although the overall rate of suicide was not greater than that in the general population, the risk of suicide in men aged 24 y and younger who had left the Armed Forces was approximately two to three times higher than the risk for the same age groups in the general and serving populations (age-specific rate ratios ranging from 170 to 290). The risk of suicide for men aged 30-49 y was lower than that in the general population. The risk was persistent but may have been at its highest in the first 2 y following discharge. The risk of suicide was greatest in males, those who had served in the Army, those with a short length of service, and those of lower rank. The rate of contact with specialist mental health was lowest in the age groups at greatest risk of suicide (14% for those aged under 20 y, 20% for those aged 20-24 y). CONCLUSIONS: Young men who leave the UK Armed Forces were at increased risk of suicide. This may reflect preservice vulnerabilities rather than factors related to service experiences or discharge. Preventive strategies might include practical and psychological preparation for discharge and encouraging appropriate help-seeking behaviour once individuals have left the services.
  • 2.37
    Impact points
    Suicide pacts in the mentally ill: A national clinical survey.

    Isabelle M Hunt, David While, Kirsten Windfuhr, Nicola Swinson, Jenny Shaw, Louis Appleby, Nav Kapur

    Psychiatry research. 03/2009;

    There have been no detailed descriptions of psychiatric patients who have died by suicide pact. We examined the social and clinical characteristics of pact cases in England and Wales using a national clinical survey sample of people who died by suicide pact and who had been in recent (<12 months)... [more] There have been no detailed descriptions of psychiatric patients who have died by suicide pact. We examined the social and clinical characteristics of pact cases in England and Wales using a national clinical survey sample of people who died by suicide pact and who had been in recent (<12 months) contact with mental health services. Over the study period (1996-2005), there were 278 cases of suicide who had died in a pact, 77 (28%) of whom had been in recent service contact. The most common cause of death overall was by carbon monoxide poisoning, but those in contact with services were more likely to use more violent methods compared with other pact victims. Nearly half (47%) had affective disorder and 68% had previously self-harmed. Over a quarter (29%) had died within 3 months of discharge from psychiatric care and 36% had missed their last service appointment. Pact cases were more likely than solitary suicide cases to have experienced recent adverse life events, typically family problems. Measures that may prevent suicide pacts in the mentally ill include the effective treatment of depression and closer supervision in both in-patient and community settings. Awareness of the family environment may contribute to reduced risk.
  • 4.98
    Impact points
    Suicide in juveniles and adolescents in the United Kingdom.

    Kirsten Windfuhr, David While, Isabelle Hunt, Pauline Turnbull, Rebecca Lowe, Jimmy Burns, Nicola Swinson, Jenny Shaw, Louis Appleby, Navneet Kapur

    Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines. 11/2008; 49(11):1155-1165.

    Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death among youths. Comparatively few studies have studied recent trends over time, or examined rates and characteristics of service contact in well-defined national samples. Methods: Data on general population suicides and mid-year population estimates were... [more] Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death among youths. Comparatively few studies have studied recent trends over time, or examined rates and characteristics of service contact in well-defined national samples. Methods: Data on general population suicides and mid-year population estimates were used to calculate suicide rates (per 100,000/year) among youths aged 10-19 years in the United Kingdom. We then determined the proportion of youths who had been in mental health service contact in the year prior to death. Social and clinical data were collected via questionnaires sent to clinicians who had provided care. Results: The general population rate of suicide was higher in males than females, and was higher in 15-19-year-olds compared to 10-14-year-olds. Suicide rates for 10-19-year-olds declined by 28% between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 2003 (compared with an 8% reduction in those aged >19 years); the fall was particularly marked for males. Mental health service contact was low at 14% (compared with 26% for adults), especially for males (12%). Youths in mental health contact were characterised by: diagnosis of affective disorder, mental illness history, residential instability, self-harm, and substance misuse. Over half of youths were living with parents and one-fifth were in full-time education. Conclusions: The suicide rate for 10-19-year-olds in the UK appeared to fall between 1997 and 2003. Further monitoring of suicide rates is needed to determine whether this trend has continued for the most recent years (e.g., 2004-7). The fall in rates may have been related to socio-economic or clinical factors. The rate of contact with services was low compared to adults, particularly in males. This is concerning because young males have the highest suicide rate in the UK. Suicide prevention in young people is likely to require a multi-agency approach.
  • 1.80
    Impact points
    Saying "no" to cigarettes: a reappraisal of adolescent refusal skills.

    A Charlton, K. E. Minagawa, D While

    Journal of adolescence. 11/1999; 22(5):695-707.

    The principles of social inoculation developed in the late 1940s and later presented as a theory combined with Bandura's self-efficacy construct in the 1970s led to a series of smoking-prevention programmes for young people based on refusal skills. The present study examines refusal skills devel... [more] The principles of social inoculation developed in the late 1940s and later presented as a theory combined with Bandura's self-efficacy construct in the 1970s led to a series of smoking-prevention programmes for young people based on refusal skills. The present study examines refusal skills developed by young people who have not been taught such a programme. The survey was carried out by self-completed questionnaires administered to whole classes of 11-15-year-olds in two secondary schools in northern England. Harter's Self-Perception Profile for Children was used. Responses from 743 (365 boys and 378 girls) were analysed. Smoking prevalence reflected the national prevalence pattern for the age group at the time of the survey. Girls were at greater risk than boys of being repeatedly offered a cigarette and more likely than boys to accept it after more than two offers. Girls with high self-perception scores for all domains except social competence were at lowest risk of being offered a cigarette. For boys this only applied in the context of behavioural conduct. However, the factor most strongly related to multiple offers of cigarettes was having a best friend who smoked. Never smokers were most likely to have simply said "No, thank you" to proffered cigarettes but most had used several responses, boys generally using more refusal mechanisms than girls did. Cigarette refusal among young people is a complex process and programmes must be variable in order to meet specific circumstances, such as refusing a cigarette from one's best friend.
  • 30.76
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  • 3.85
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