300 Participants Needed

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Attempt Prevention

Recruiting at 2 trial locations
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of Utah
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)
Approved in 2 JurisdictionsThis treatment is already approved in other countries

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The overall goal for the proposed project is to test the effectiveness of BCBT for the prevention of suicide attempts in a sample of treatment-seeking U.S. military personnel and veterans. The standard null hypothesis will involve tests conducted comparing improvement following BCBT (treatment duration of 12 weeks) to Person-Centered Therapy (PCT). The primary outcome comparisons will include direct markers of suicidality (i.e. suicide, suicide attempts). Secondary outcomes will be suicide ideation and indicators of psychiatric distress (e.g., depression, hopelessness). We also aim to assess several hypothesized psychological and neurocognitive mediators of treatment effects (e.g., wish to live, attentional bias, emotion regulation). Participants will be followed for 2 years posttreatment by independent evaluators blind to treatment condition.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

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

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (BCBT) for preventing suicide attempts?

Research shows that Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (BCBT) is effective in reducing the risk of suicide attempts among suicidal US Army soldiers, indicating its potential benefit in preventing suicide attempts.12345

Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention safe for humans?

The research on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP) and its variations, like Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (BCBT), primarily focuses on its effectiveness in reducing suicide attempts, particularly among military personnel. While the studies emphasize its efficacy, they do not report any significant safety concerns, suggesting it is generally safe for human use.12678

How is the treatment Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (BCBT) for suicide attempt prevention different from other treatments?

Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (BCBT) is unique because it specifically targets suicidal thoughts and behaviors rather than focusing on underlying mental illnesses. It is a structured, short-term therapy that has been shown to effectively reduce the risk of repeated suicide attempts, making it a preferred option for individuals who have previously attempted suicide.12469

Research Team

CJ

Craig J Bryan, PsyD, ABPP

Principal Investigator

Ohio State University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for U.S. military personnel and veterans who are at least 18 years old, can understand and speak English, and have had suicidal thoughts with intent to die or a suicide attempt in the last two weeks. It's not for those unable to consent or participate in outpatient treatment due to severe psychiatric conditions like psychosis or mania.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 18 years old or older.
Active duty Marine
Reporting current suicide ideation with intent to die and/or a suicide attempt within the past two weeks
See 1 more

Exclusion Criteria

Psychiatric or medical condition that precludes the ability to provide informed consent or participation in outpatient treatment (e.g., psychosis, mania, acute intoxication).

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (BCBT) or Present-Centered Therapy (PCT) for the prevention of suicide attempts

12 weeks
Weekly visits

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

2 years
Every 3 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (BCBT)
  • Present-Centered Therapy (PCT)
  • Treatment as Usual (TAU)
Trial OverviewThe trial tests if Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (BCBT) over 12 weeks is more effective than Present-Centered Therapy (PCT) at preventing suicide attempts among participants. The study will also look into how these treatments impact suicidal ideation, depression, hopelessness, and certain psychological/neurocognitive functions over a follow-up of two years.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Brief Cognitive Behavioral TherapyExperimental Treatment2 Interventions
Group II: Present-Centered TherapyActive Control2 Interventions

Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (BCBT) is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:

🇺🇸
Approved in United States as Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (BCBT) for:
  • Suicide prevention
  • Reduction of suicidal ideation
🇪🇺
Approved in European Union as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP) for:
  • Suicide prevention
  • Reduction of suicidal ideation

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Utah

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1,169
Recruited
1,623,000+

Medical University of South Carolina

Collaborator

Trials
994
Recruited
7,408,000+

Ohio State University

Collaborator

Trials
891
Recruited
2,659,000+

United States Department of Defense

Collaborator

Trials
940
Recruited
339,000+

Lowcountry Center for Veterans Research

Collaborator

Trials
1
Recruited
300+

Findings from Research

Brief cognitive behavioral therapy (BCBT) is projected to prevent 23 to 25 more suicide attempts and 1 to 3 more suicide deaths per 100 patients compared to standard treatment for suicidal US Army soldiers, indicating its efficacy in reducing suicide risk.
BCBT is estimated to save the Department of Defense between $15,000 to $16,630 per patient compared to usual treatment, suggesting it may be a cost-effective intervention for addressing suicide risk among active-duty soldiers.
Economic Evaluation of Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs Treatment as Usual for Suicidal US Army Soldiers.Bernecker, SL., Zuromski, KL., Curry, JC., et al.[2022]
A manual-based cognitive-behavioral therapy for suicide prevention (CBT-SP) was developed and tested on 110 adolescents aged 13 to 19 who recently attempted suicide, focusing on risk reduction and relapse prevention.
The therapy was well-received, with 72.4% of participants completing 12 or more sessions, indicating its feasibility for preventing recurrence of suicidal behavior in this high-risk group.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for suicide prevention (CBT-SP): treatment model, feasibility, and acceptability.Stanley, B., Brown, G., Brent, DA., et al.[2022]
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and problem-solving therapy (PST) both led to significant improvements in various measures related to hopelessness and suicidal ideation among suicide attempters, indicating their efficacy as treatment options.
Participants receiving CBT and PST reported higher satisfaction levels compared to those receiving treatment as usual (TAU), highlighting the potential benefits of these brief therapies in managing suicidal thoughts.
Comparing cognitive behavior therapy, problem solving therapy, and treatment as usual in a high risk population.Stewart, CD., Quinn, A., Plever, S., et al.[2018]

References

Economic Evaluation of Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs Treatment as Usual for Suicidal US Army Soldiers. [2022]
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for suicide prevention (CBT-SP): treatment model, feasibility, and acceptability. [2022]
Comparing cognitive behavior therapy, problem solving therapy, and treatment as usual in a high risk population. [2018]
Cognitive behavioural therapy halves the risk of repeated suicide attempts: systematic review. [2020]
Brief Cognitive-based Psychosocial Intervention and Case Management for Suicide Attempters Discharged from the Emergency Department in Taipei, Taiwan: A Randomized Controlled Study. [2021]
Brief cognitive-behavioral therapy effects on post-treatment suicide attempts in a military sample: results of a randomized clinical trial with 2-year follow-up. [2022]
Efficacy of CBT for Treatment Seeking (CBT-TS) in Untreated Veterans and Service Members at Risk for Suicidal Behavior. [2023]
The Marine Suicide Prevention and Intervention REsearch (M-SPIRE) study: A randomized clinical trial investigating potential treatment mechanisms for reducing suicidal behaviors among military personnel. [2021]
Cognitive behavioral therapy for suicidal behaviors: improving patient outcomes. [2022]