Conversion therapy denounced by 28 organizations; Elderly men account for most U.S. suicides; New rapid test for HIV and TB - Morning Medical Update

Conversion therapy denounced by 28 organizations

Twenty-eight medical organizations have banned together as the United States Joint Statement, a partnership committed to ending conversion therapy. Names of partners include the American Academy of Physician Associates, the American College of Physicians, and the American Medical Association. “We are dedicated to ensuring that nobody is ever exposed to these harmful practices ever again,” co-founder Guy Albert said in an interview.

Elderly men account for most U.S. suicides

Elderly men account for most suicides in the United States, new research finds. There were nearly 30 suicides for every 100,000 men ages 55 and older in 2021. The overall age-adjusted rate that year was 14 suicides per 100,000 people. Firearms were the most common method with three quarters of men over the age of 65 using them. Experts say this is because men are more likely to have guns. Mental health is also more taboo for men. “Older men in our society tend not to have the skills in developing and maintaining close relationships with as many other people as do women in our culture,” Dr. Yeates Conwell, a psychiatry professor at the University of Rochester said in an interview.

New rapid test for HIV and TB

Researchers have developed a new rapid test that can detect HIV and tuberculosis at the same time with only a few drops of blood. This test will be more useful in developing countries where the diseases are common. Researchers hope the test will move onto clinical trials soon.