Deaf CBT-TS for Suicide Risk

AA
Overseen ByAileen Aldalur, Ph.D. Clinical Psychology
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of Rochester
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if a short, Zoom-based therapy called Deaf CBT-TS (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide) can help Deaf adults change their views on mental health treatment, seek help more often, and reduce suicide risk. It focuses on individuals who use American Sign Language and have untreated mental health or alcohol issues. The trial compares those receiving the therapy to those on a waitlist to assess its effectiveness. Ideal participants are Deaf or hard of hearing adults who are not currently in mental health or alcohol treatment and have access to video chat. As an unphased trial, participants can contribute to groundbreaking research that may enhance mental health support for the Deaf community.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it does require that participants are not currently receiving professional mental health or alcohol specialty treatment.

What prior data suggests that Deaf CBT-TS is safe for participants?

Research shows that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Treatment-Seeking for Deaf Individuals (Deaf CBT-TS) is designed to be a safe treatment. Delivered over Zoom, this therapy can make access easier and more comfortable for participants.

Studies have found that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is generally well-tolerated for various mental health issues. It helps people change negative thought patterns to improve mental health. Although specific data on Deaf CBT-TS is limited, research supports the overall safety of CBT.

No major reports of negative effects have emerged from using CBT in similar situations. This therapy is specially adapted for Deaf individuals, considering their unique needs, such as using sign language, which may enhance comfort and safety.

In summary, while direct data on Deaf CBT-TS is limited, the therapy is based on well-established methods known for their safety. Participants can feel reassured about the treatment's focus on safety.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Deaf CBT-TS treatment because it tailors cognitive-behavioral therapy specifically for Deaf individuals at risk of suicide, using American Sign Language (ASL). Unlike standard therapies that might not accommodate the unique communication needs of the Deaf community, Deaf CBT-TS offers direct access to mental health support in the native language of ASL users. This personalized approach aims to improve therapy effectiveness by ensuring that all communication barriers are minimized, which is crucial for accurate assessment and intervention.

What evidence suggests that Deaf CBT-TS might be an effective treatment for increasing treatment-seeking behaviors and reducing suicide risk in Deaf individuals?

Research has shown that Deaf people often face more mental health challenges, including thoughts of suicide, compared to those who can hear. In this trial, participants in the Deaf CBT-TS Intervention Group will receive Deaf CBT-TS, a specialized form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy designed for Deaf individuals to address these issues. Early studies suggest that this therapy can encourage Deaf people to seek treatment by changing their perceptions of mental health care, making it more accessible and effective for those with hearing difficulties. Additionally, it may help reduce mental health symptoms and thoughts of suicide. Although specific data on Deaf CBT-TS remains limited, the potential benefits appear promising.12346

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Deaf adults with untreated mental health or alcohol use problems who have not yet sought treatment. It's designed to help those at risk of suicide and living in areas with varying levels of resources for the Deaf community. Participants must be willing to undergo assessments and attend therapy sessions via Zoom.

Inclusion Criteria

Self-identify as Deaf or hard of hearing (any degree of hearing loss)
Positive screen for one or more mental health disorders including depression (PHQ-9 > 10), anxiety (GAD-7 > 10), posttraumatic stress disorder (PCL-5 > 31), insomnia (ISI > 15), or alcohol use disorder (AUDIT > 16)
No current professional mental health or alcohol specialty treatment (e.g., counseling, psychiatric services) per standardized self-report
See 3 more

Exclusion Criteria

Current alcohol withdrawal necessitating medical evaluation
I cannot communicate in American Sign Language.
I am not in a psychiatric crisis that requires emergency or hospital care.
See 1 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Participants complete a baseline assessment including demographic information, measures of hope, general mental health and functioning, alcohol use, suicide ideation, cultural stress, and beliefs about treatment.

1 week
1 visit (virtual)

Treatment

Participants receive Deaf CBT-TS intervention consisting of 2 sessions lasting up to 90 minutes each, or are placed on a waitlist with the option of receiving Deaf CBT-TS after 4 months.

2 weeks
2 visits (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants complete follow-up assessments at 2 and 4 months to evaluate changes in beliefs about treatment, hope, mental health symptoms, suicide ideation, and alcohol use.

4 months
2 visits (virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Deaf CBT-TS

Trial Overview

The trial tests a Zoom-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program called Deaf CBT-TS, specifically tailored for the Deaf community. It aims to improve attitudes towards seeking mental health treatment, reduce symptoms related to PTSD, anxiety, depression, alcoholism, and lower suicide risk.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Deaf CBT-TS Intervention GroupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Waitlist Control GroupActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Rochester

Lead Sponsor

Trials
883
Recruited
555,000+

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator

Trials
3,007
Recruited
2,852,000+

Citations

Deaf CBT-TS to Reduce Suicide Risk

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a short, Zoom-based intervention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Treatment-Seeking for Deaf ...

Project Details

While limited, data suggests significant mental health disparities among Deaf adults including higher rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors; yet, they have ...

Acceptability and Feasibility of Cognitive Behavioral ...

CBT-TS could be an effective intervention to improve treatment-seeking behaviors among Deaf individuals, but the intervention needs to be ...

Exploring the association between hearing status and ...

Participants with more difficulty hearing showed a higher likelihood of experiencing suicidal ideation (P < 0.05 for all). Further analysis using RCS regression ...

Suicide Risk in People with Hearing Impairment in the Post ...

This study aimed to assess the association between mental disorders, quality of life, and suicide risk in individuals with hearing impairment in the post-COVID ...

Toolkit: Treat

All individuals with suicide risk, regardless of setting, receive interventions and treatments that directly address suicidal thoughts and behaviors.