COVID-19 and Mental Health (CMH) Initiative: Research

A Rapid Review of the Effects of Epidemics or Pandemics on Suicide, Suicidal Behaviours and Suicidal Thoughts

Key Messages

  • There is very little evidence to address the issue of how being exposed to a pandemic or epidemic impacts suicide rates.
  • Older adults may have an increased rate of suicide after pandemics and epidemics and should be considered a priority group for prevention strategies during the currently pandemic.
  • The biggest influence on suicide rates are likely to be the socioeconomic changes that coming during and after a pandemic/epidemic.

Keywords

  • Suicide
  • Attempted suicide
  • Self-harm
  • Epidemic
  • Pandemic
  • Public Health Emergency
  • Systematic review

Author(s)

  • Nominated Principal Applicant: Dr. Simon Hatcher, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
  • Zortea T
  • Brenna C
  • Joyce M
  • McClelland H
  • Tippett M
  • Tran M
  • Arensman E
  • Corcoran P
  • Hatcher S
  • Heisel M
  • Links P
  • O’Connor R
  • Edgar NE
  • Cha Y
  • Guaiana G
  • Williamson E
  • Sinyor M
  • Platt S

For more information, please contact: Nicole Edgar, nedgar@ohri.ca

Related Syntheses

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Population

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Language

To ensure the rapid dissemination of this critical information, information is published in the language in which it was submitted. Please contact us for French or English translations.

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