Applications of Large Language Models in the Field of Suicide Prevention: Scoping Review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Prevention of suicide is a global health priority. Approximately 800,000 individuals die by suicide yearly, and for every suicide death, there are another 20 estimated suicide attempts. Large language models (LLMs) hold the potential to enhance scalable, accessible, and affordable digital services for suicide prevention and self-harm interventions. However, their use also raises clinical and ethical questions that require careful consideration.

Objective

This scoping review aims to identify emergent trends in LLM applications in the field of suicide prevention and self-harm research. In addition, it summarizes key clinical and ethical considerations relevant to this nascent area of research.

Methods

Searches were conducted in 4 databases (PsycINFO, Embase,

SUBMITTER: Holmes G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11809463 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature