Adapted Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Suicide Risk

Overseen By Sean Mitchell, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Texas Tech University

Disqualifiers: Neurocognitive impairment

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 19

100 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This project aims to adapt, implement, and evaluate a Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills training group intervention for aging adult family caregivers of person with Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) to reduce suicidality. By adapting this modality, the investigators will provide a scalable intervention tailored for this high-risk population, maximizing the public health impact and improving suicide prevention.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 50 who are primary caregivers for someone with Alzheimer's or related dementias. Participants must show signs of suicide risk, speak English fluently, and be willing to provide blood samples. It's not suitable for those who don't meet the suicide risk criteria.

Inclusion Criteria

You must score higher than the established clinical cutoffs on at least one of three tests: SBQ-R (score > 6), INQ (thwarted belonging score > 35 and perceived burden > 17) or GDS (score>5).

I am 50 years old or older.

You are the primary informal caretaker.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Adaptation and Implementation

Adaptation of DBT skills training for family caregivers, followed by implementation of the adapted DBT skills training groups

4 months

16 weekly sessions (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including self-report assessments and focus groups

2 months

2 visits (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Adapted Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Trial Overview The trial tests an adapted Dialectical Behavior Therapy program designed specifically for aging caregivers at risk of suicide. The goal is to see if this therapy can reduce suicidality in a group that has unique stressors due to their caregiving roles.

Participant Groups

Group I: Adapted Dialectical Behavior Therapy Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Adapting Dialectical Behavior Therapy to focus on reducing suicide ideation for family caregivers of persons with AD/ADRD

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Texas Tech University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

89

Recruited

10,300+