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Teen suicide gets plenty of airtime, but a new U.S. study finds that middle-aged whites are an emerging high-risk group. Before 1999, white middle-aged men were the least likely to kill themselves. However, for the period from 1999 to 2005, the rate for African-Americans, Asian-Americans and Native Americans declined or stayed stable even as middle-aged whites experienced a significant increase in suicides.

Danes are willing to pay more for genetic testing when treating depression than the cost of the testing itself, implying that genetic testing is socially useful. Based on a survey among Danes the study estimates the supposed willingness-to-pay for genetic testing as part of the treatment of depression.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave the green light earlier this month for a new non-invasive treatment for depression that relies on a magnetic device to stimulate the brain by sending magnetic pulses through the skull.

Title: Suicide Risk High for Middle-Aged WhitesCategory: health newscreated: 10/22/2008Last Editorial review: 10/22/2008