Harvard researchers develop model predicting suicide attempts a week in advance

The short version

• A Harvard study led by Matthew Nock predicted 75 percent of suicide attempts and 87 percent of related crises a week ahead.[Hacker News]
• Over 600 high-risk individuals participated in the multiyear project by answering questions via a mobile application.[Hacker News]
• Self-reported agitation proved to be a stronger indicator of imminent risk than depression, increasing attempt likelihood by 11 percent per point.[Hacker News]
• The findings are scheduled for publication in the October issue of the Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science.[Hacker News]

Key facts

• The Harvard research team led by Matthew Nock forecasted 75 percent of suicide attempts and 87 percent of suicide-related crises a week before they occurred.[Hacker News]
• The multiyear study tracked more than 600 high-risk adult and adolescent participants via an application.[Hacker News]
• Agitation was identified as a significantly stronger indicator of suicide risk than depression, with each additional point increasing attempt likelihood by 11 percent.[Hacker News]
• Traditional predictive models have generally focused on long-term timeframes extending from six months to a decade.[Hacker News]
• The study is slated to appear in the October issue of the Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science.[Hacker News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Harvard study predicts most suicide attempts a week in advanceHacker News