Couples-Based Crisis Planning for Suicidal Thoughts

(CRP-C Trial)

Overseen By Project Coordinator

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Georgia

Disqualifiers: Non-English, Under 18, IPV, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to help Veterans by testing a couple-based crisis planning method to reduce suicidal thoughts. It compares traditional individual crisis planning with a method involving the Veteran's romantic partner, known as Couple-Based Crisis Safety Planning. The goal is to determine if including the partner can more effectively decrease crisis symptoms and suicide risk. Veterans who have experienced crisis symptoms in the last three months and are in a committed relationship for at least a year may be suitable for this trial, provided they live in Georgia and have a smartphone. As an unphased trial, this study offers Veterans a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance crisis intervention strategies.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this couple-based crisis safety planning is safe for Veterans?

Research shows that safety planning can help reduce suicidal thoughts and actions. Studies have found that including close partners, such as a spouse, in these plans can provide extra support and lower the risk of suicide.

Evidence from various studies suggests these plans are generally safe and well-received. People using safety plans often report improved coping skills and are more likely to seek help. Overall, these interventions are considered safe, with no major negative effects reported. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Couples-Based Crisis Safety Planning for suicidal thoughts because it uniquely involves the romantic partner in the intervention process. Unlike traditional crisis response plans that rely solely on the individual, this approach leverages the support and involvement of a loved one to create a more comprehensive safety plan. The idea is that involving a partner can enhance communication, provide emotional support, and potentially improve outcomes for veterans experiencing suicidal thoughts. By tapping into the couple's relationship, this method aims to strengthen the safety net for those at risk, offering a fresh and potentially more effective approach to crisis intervention.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for reducing suicide risk in Veterans?

Research has shown that safety planning can help reduce suicidal thoughts and actions. In this trial, participants will join one of two groups: Traditional Crisis Response Planning or Couples-based Crisis Response Planning. Studies have found that including a partner in crisis planning, as in the Couples-based group, strengthens support systems and improves coping skills. Evidence suggests that having a safety plan makes it easier for people to seek help and manage suicidal urges. Involving a partner might enhance these benefits by providing extra emotional support. Previous studies found that safety plans, along with follow-up support, further lower the risk of suicide. Overall, this approach could be a promising way to help Veterans handle crisis situations. ^{2 3 4 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Brian W. Bauer, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

University of Georgia

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Veterans experiencing emotional crises or suicidal behavior, including thoughts, ideation, and attempts. It's designed to help couples where one partner is a Veteran at risk of suicide. Participants must be in a committed relationship and both partners willing to engage in the study.

Inclusion Criteria

English speaking

Currently resides in Georgia

At least one participant from the couple must have Veteran status

Exclusion Criteria

Non-English speaking

I or my partner have been hurt or felt scared due to violence from each other recently.

Resides in a different state than Georgia

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants receive a virtually-delivered, single-session Couple-Based Crisis Response Plan (CRP-C) or traditional Crisis Response Planning (CRP)

1 session

1 virtual session

Monitoring

Veterans are surveyed 3 times per day for thirty days to assess fluctuations of crisis symptoms and suicide risk

30 days

Follow-up

Participants complete a 3-month follow-up assessment to measure intervention outcomes

3 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Couple-Based Crisis Safety Planning

Trial Overview The study tests a virtual couple-based crisis response plan (CRP-C) aimed at reducing crisis symptoms and lowering suicide risk among Veterans. The intervention involves the Veteran and their partner working together on strategies to manage crises.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Couples-based Crisis Response Planning Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

This arm will utilize Couples-based Crisis Response Planning. This method of intervention involves the participation of the romantic partner of a Veteran who is receiving the intervention.

Group II: Traditional Crisis Response Planning Active Control 1 Intervention

This arm will utilize the traditional Crisis Response Plan protocol. This arm will not utilize the help of a romantic partner in creating a crisis safety plan for the participating Veteran.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Georgia

Lead Sponsor

Trials

109

Recruited

43,500+

United States Department of Defense

Collaborator

Trials

940

Recruited

339,000+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07012824

NCT07012824 | Couple-Based Crisis Safety Planning CRP has been shown to be effective at reducing suicidal behaviors. A strong line of research shows that a relationship with an intimate partner (e.g., a spouse) ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10189833/

Effectiveness of Suicide Safety Planning Interventions Evidence across a range of studies indicates that SSP is effective for reducing suicide behavior (SB) and ideation (SI).

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032724006578

Safety plan use and suicide-related coping in a sample of ... Participants with safety plans reported a higher rate of past suicide attempts, but higher suicide-related coping and help-seeking behaviour.

4. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2834286

Safety Planning Interventions for Suicide Prevention in ... This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the effectiveness of safety planning as a standalone intervention for suicide ...

5. pcori.org pcori.org/research-results/2019/comparing-two-ways-provide-safety-planning-follow-support-adults-and-teens-risk-suicide-sparc-trial

Comparing Two Ways to Provide Safety Planning Follow- ... Receiving a safety plan and follow-up support by phone or text message may help prevent suicide after people leave the hospital or clinic.

6. sprc.org sprc.org/resources/stanley-brown-safety-plan/

Stanley-Brown Safety Plan A brief intervention to help those experiencing self-harm and suicidal thoughts with a concrete way to mitigate risk and increase safety.