What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: Mental Health, Addiction.

Mental Health Addiction

Suicidal thoughts persist in over one-third of at-risk Australian men

Q: Where was this research published?

Published in Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology on July 8, 2026.

Examining the chronicity of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among Australian males.

Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology • July 8, 2026 • Moderately Relevant

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AI Summary

This Australian study examined the long-term persistence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) among 3,070 males over a nine-year period. The research found that more than one in three men who reported lifetime suicidal thoughts experienced chronic STB, with 34.5% reporting persistent suicidal thoughts and 13.6% experiencing recurring suicide attempts. The study used data from the Ten to Men cohort study and employed advanced statistical modeling to identify factors predicting chronic suicidal ideation.

The research identified several critical risk factors associated with persistent suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Depression emerged as the strongest predictor, with those experiencing depression being 2.57 times more likely to develop chronic STB over the nine-year period. Alcohol use disorder and marijuana use were also significant predictors, with marijuana use increasing the risk by 33%. Additional factors included disability and socioeconomic disadvantages, painting a complex picture of interconnected mental health and substance use challenges among Australian men.

The findings highlight the need for targeted intervention strategies addressing the root causes of chronic suicidal ideation, particularly focusing on depression treatment, substance use support, and socioeconomic support. For individuals concerned about mental health or substance use patterns, this research underscores the importance of comprehensive mental health assessment and early intervention, rather than addressing these issues in isolation.

📄 Original Abstract

Research on chronic suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) in Australia is limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and identify predictors of chronic STB among Australian males. A nine-year retrospective cohort study was conducted, analysing data from the first four waves of the Ten to Men Study. The study included 3,070 males who reported lifetime STB at Wave 1. Chronic STB was defined as the presence suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts over subsequent waves. Modified Poisson and mixed-effects Poisson regression models were used to identify predictors. The prevalence of chronic suicidal thoughts and attempts were 34.5% and 13.6%, respectively, with an overall chronic STB prevalence of 37.2%. At Wave 2, depression (IRR = 1.59; 95% CI [1.28, 1.98]; P < 0.001), homosexuality (IRR = 1.50; 95% CI [1.06, 2.14]; P = 0.023), and alcohol use disorder (IRR = 1.21; 95% CI [1.01, 1.46]; P = 0.044) were significantly associated with chronic STB. Over nine years, depression (IRR = 2.57; 95% CI [2.05, 3.22]; P < 0.001), alcohol use disorder (IRR = 1.53; 95% CI [1.27, 1.85]; P < 0.001), disability (IRR = 1.43; 95% CI [1.12, 1.82]; P = 0.004), and marijuana use (IRR = 1.33; 95% CI [1.05, 1.67]; P = 0.016) were key predictors. Among Australian men who report lifetime STB, more than one in three experience chronic STB over a nine-year period. Depression, alcohol use disorder, disability, illicit substance use, and socioeconomic factors emerged as primary predictors. Further research is needed to explore intervention strategies addressing these factors.

Paper Type

📄 Research

Publication

Journal: Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology
Published: July 8, 2026
PMID: 42417993
DOI: 10.1007/s00127-026-03172-7

Authors (4)

Tilahun Haregu Centre for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia. haregu.t@unimelb.edu.au.
Shaosen Zhang Centre for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
Jesse Young Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Gregory Armstrong Centre for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.