Social Reward Psychotherapy for Suicidal Thoughts
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new talk therapy called Engage & Connect, aimed at middle-aged and older adults who feel socially isolated. The therapy encourages enjoyable social activities to help improve mood and reduce suicidal thoughts by making people feel happier and more connected.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that you either be off antidepressants or on a stable dose for 8 weeks, and you should not plan to change the dose during the study. Other psychotropic drugs are generally not allowed, except for a small dose of lorazepam.
Is Social Reward Psychotherapy for Suicidal Thoughts safe for humans?
What makes Engage & Connect Psychotherapy unique for treating suicidal thoughts?
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Social Reward Psychotherapy for Suicidal Thoughts?
Research shows that therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and problem-solving therapy (PST) can help reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These therapies have been effective in improving mental health outcomes for people who have attempted suicide, suggesting that similar approaches in Social Reward Psychotherapy might also be beneficial.310111213
Who Is on the Research Team?
Nili Solomonov, PhD
Principal Investigator
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals aged 50-80 with Major Depressive Disorder and suicidal thoughts, who have a certain level of cognitive function (MMSE score within normal range) and are either off antidepressants or on a stable dose. They must not be receiving other psychotherapy, have no plans to change medication doses, and cannot have severe medical conditions or other psychiatric diagnoses that could interfere with the study.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants are randomly assigned to 9-weekly sessions of either Engage & Connect therapy or Symptom Review and Psychoeducation
Assessment
Participants complete 4 research assessments and 3 MRI scans to evaluate brain- and behavioral changes
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Engage & Connect Psychotherapy
- Symptom Review and Psychoeducation (SRP)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborator