The American Psychiatric Nurses Association released a new position paper highlighting the need for psychiatric mental-health nurses in screening, assessing risk and planning treatments for those youth at risk of suicide. Jamie Zelazny, a University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing faculty member who studies youth suicide, was the chair of the committee that developed the paper.
The prevalence of suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts among youth has increased over the last decade, and suicide is among the top causes of death among teenagers. Zelazny, an assistant professor, is passionate about expanding the delivery of mental health education and suicide prevention in youth to combat this.
“Research is vital to find the gaps...and identify new practices that improve patient treatment and outcomes,” she says.
Zelazny also received the 2024 American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) Award for Excellence in Research and Scholarship as testament to her important work in suicide research. The award was presented on Oct. 9 at the 38th Annual APNA Conference in Louisville, KY.
Zelazny’s interest in pediatric mental health began during her clinical rotation as an undergraduate at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. Now, her full-time suicide prevention work manifests itself in several investigations, including two National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) grants for which she is the principal investigator. She is also the co-principal investigator for an additional NIMH grant and co-investigator for three NIMH grants – all focused on the use of technology to help identify and manage youth suicide risk.
Backed with funding from the NIMH, her study, titled “SMART: Social Media as a Predictor of Proximal Risk in Youth Suicide Attempts,” compares youth with suicide attempts to a control group with no history of suicide attempts. It includes reports of how much or how often the subject uses social media.
“Kids will always find a way to use social media,” Zelazny says, “so we need to help them navigate it. In my work, I’m consistently looking to harness the positive aspects of social media and limit the negative.”
Learn more about Zelazny and this prestigious award.
For those struggling with thoughts of suicide, or who are concerned about someone else, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Media contact: Jared Stonesifer - jstonesifer@pitt.edu