Symposium
Session Room: Alsh
Session Room: Alsh
Saturday, June 27, 02:40 PM – 03:55 PM
Symposium 6:
Innovative Approaches to Suicide Prevention: Therapeutic Interventions Informed by Digital Phenotyping and Genetics
Innovative Approaches to Suicide Prevention: Therapeutic Interventions Informed by Digital Phenotyping and Genetics
Suicide remains a major global public health challenge, causing over 700,000 deaths annually worldwide. It is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 29. Despite extensive prevention efforts, suicide rates have not declined significantly, partly due to the current limitations in reliably identifying who is at imminent risk and when suicidal behavior may occur. Multiple interrelated risk factors have been identified, including genetic predisposition—with heritability estimates ranging from 30 to 50%—family history, biological markers, mental disorders, and environmental and personal adversities. However, validated predictive tools that accurately forecast suicidal behavior are still lacking.
Emerging approaches seek to improve risk detection and intervention through technological and biological innovation. One such method is digital phenotyping via smartphones, employing Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). EMA enables real-time, ecologically valid data collection that minimizes recall bias by capturing active and passive data streams such as GPS location, accelerometer activity, and smartphone usage patterns. Passive EMA, in particular, uses native sensors to continuously monitor behavior and physiological states. Initial studies suggest EMA has promising short-term predictive accuracy for suicidal risk (AUC 0.77). Complementing EMA, Ecological Momentary Interventions (EMI) are therapeutic tools delivered via mobile apps that provide personalized, on-demand support to high-risk individuals, promoting self-management and continuous engagement. The combined use of EMA and EMI presents a novel, dynamic model for suicide prevention that remains underexplored.
Advances in genetically informed suicide prevention are also promising. Antidepressants play a vital role in reducing suicide risk, but treatment efficacy and safety vary widely due to pharmacogenetic differences. Key enzymes such as CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 are highly polymorphic and significantly influence the metabolism of many antidepressants. Individuals who are ultra-rapid metabolizers often experience reduced treatment efficacy and an increased severity of suicidal behaviors.
Dr. Barrigón (Spain) will showcase her work on EMA as a digital tool for identifying suicidal risk phenotypes in real time using smartphone data, along with the application of EMI to deliver timely, personalized interventions that enhance patient autonomy. Dr. Toma (Australia) will provide an overview of recent progress in genetic and pharmacogenetic markers for suicide risk, emphasizing the potential of precision medicine to tailor preventive care. Finally, Dr. Baca will discuss the integration of biological and digital technologies to deliver personalized treatment and interventions at critical moments, focusing on the efficacy of combining personalized digital safety plans with pharmacogenetically guided antidepressant therapy.
Together, these presentations will provide a comprehensive and translational perspective on leveraging technology and genetics to advance suicide prevention and improve outcomes for at-risk populations.
Emerging approaches seek to improve risk detection and intervention through technological and biological innovation. One such method is digital phenotyping via smartphones, employing Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). EMA enables real-time, ecologically valid data collection that minimizes recall bias by capturing active and passive data streams such as GPS location, accelerometer activity, and smartphone usage patterns. Passive EMA, in particular, uses native sensors to continuously monitor behavior and physiological states. Initial studies suggest EMA has promising short-term predictive accuracy for suicidal risk (AUC 0.77). Complementing EMA, Ecological Momentary Interventions (EMI) are therapeutic tools delivered via mobile apps that provide personalized, on-demand support to high-risk individuals, promoting self-management and continuous engagement. The combined use of EMA and EMI presents a novel, dynamic model for suicide prevention that remains underexplored.
Advances in genetically informed suicide prevention are also promising. Antidepressants play a vital role in reducing suicide risk, but treatment efficacy and safety vary widely due to pharmacogenetic differences. Key enzymes such as CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 are highly polymorphic and significantly influence the metabolism of many antidepressants. Individuals who are ultra-rapid metabolizers often experience reduced treatment efficacy and an increased severity of suicidal behaviors.
Dr. Barrigón (Spain) will showcase her work on EMA as a digital tool for identifying suicidal risk phenotypes in real time using smartphone data, along with the application of EMI to deliver timely, personalized interventions that enhance patient autonomy. Dr. Toma (Australia) will provide an overview of recent progress in genetic and pharmacogenetic markers for suicide risk, emphasizing the potential of precision medicine to tailor preventive care. Finally, Dr. Baca will discuss the integration of biological and digital technologies to deliver personalized treatment and interventions at critical moments, focusing on the efficacy of combining personalized digital safety plans with pharmacogenetically guided antidepressant therapy.
Together, these presentations will provide a comprehensive and translational perspective on leveraging technology and genetics to advance suicide prevention and improve outcomes for at-risk populations.