Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Attempt Prevention

Enrolling by invitation at 2 trial locations

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Utah

Disqualifiers: Psychosis, Mania, Acute intoxication, others

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

Approved in 2 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 12 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new therapy called Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (BCBT) to determine its effectiveness in preventing suicide attempts among U.S. military personnel and veterans. The study compares BCBT with Person-Centered Therapy (PCT) to identify which treatment more effectively reduces thoughts and actions related to suicide. Researchers will monitor participants for improvements in depression and other distress signals over two years. This trial may suit those who have served in the U.S. military and are currently experiencing suicidal thoughts or have recently attempted suicide. As an unphased trial, it offers participants a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance mental health support for military personnel and veterans.

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.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

In a previous study, researchers found that Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (BCBT) led to fewer suicide attempts compared to other treatments. Only 2 out of 10 participants who received BCBT attempted suicide, while 8 out of 10 did in the other group. Importantly, no deaths occurred during the study.

Another study showed that BCBT, even when delivered through video, effectively reduced suicide attempts. This suggests that BCBT can be a safe and effective option for lowering the risk of suicide.

Present-Centered Therapy (PCT) has been shown to be well-tolerated and may help with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants tend to continue with PCT treatment, indicating it is manageable and safe.

Overall, both BCBT and PCT have been studied for safety and effectiveness. They show promise in helping individuals at risk, with BCBT having a stronger track record in reducing suicide attempts. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (BCBT) for suicide attempt prevention because it offers a targeted approach that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with suicidal ideation. Unlike many standard treatments, which might involve medication or general therapy, BCBT is specifically designed to address the cognitive and emotional triggers of suicide. This approach enables participants to develop practical skills to manage distress and improve coping mechanisms, potentially leading to quicker and more sustainable improvements in mental health. Additionally, the brief nature of BCBT makes it accessible and feasible for implementation in various settings, offering hope for more immediate and widespread impact.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for preventing suicide attempts?

Research has shown that Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (BCBT), a treatment in this trial, can help reduce suicide attempts. Studies have found that BCBT lowers the risk of future attempts more effectively than standard care. It improves problem-solving skills and challenges negative thoughts. BCBT also helps prevent relapse, supporting individuals in avoiding harmful habits. Overall, BCBT offers promising results for those at risk of suicide. Another treatment arm in this trial involves Present-Centered Therapy (PCT), which serves as an active comparator. ^{1 2 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Craig J Bryan, PsyD, ABPP

Principal Investigator

Ohio State University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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

Active duty Marine

Reporting current suicide ideation with intent to die and/or a suicide attempt within the past two weeks

Ability to understand and speak the English language; and ability to complete the informed consent process.

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 for a Trial Participant

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

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (BCBT)
• Present-Centered Therapy (PCT)
• Treatment as Usual (TAU)

Trial Overview The 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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Group II: Present-Centered Therapy Active Control 2 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

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+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The study involved 147 patients who had previously attempted suicide, and after a 6-session cognitive-based psychotherapy intervention over four months, there was a notable reduction in the odds of further suicide attempts and an increase in outpatient visits, although these results were not statistically significant.

While the intervention did not significantly lower the risk of subsequent suicide attempts or clinical severity at the 12-month mark, it did improve treatment adherence among patients who had made multiple attempts, suggesting that targeted approaches may be beneficial for specific subgroups.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Brief Cognitive-based Psychosocial Intervention and Case Management for Suicide Attempters Discharged from the Emergency Department in Taipei, Taiwan: A Randomized Controlled Study. Lin, YC., Liu, SI., Chen, SC., et al.[2021]

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.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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]

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.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8479594/

Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention ... The current study aims to examine the delivery of brief cognitive-behavioral therapy for suicide prevention (BCBT-SP) via Clinical Video Telehealth (CVT) to ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1077722921000110

Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention ... The current study aims to examine the delivery of brief cognitive-behavioral therapy for suicide prevention (BCBT-SP) via Clinical Video Telehealth (CVT) to the ...

3. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2826055

Telehealth Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide ... The findings of this randomized clinical trial suggest that BCBT delivered via video telehealth is effective for reducing suicide attempts.

4. jwatch.org jwatch.org/na59343/2025/10/28/brief-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-tested-prevent-suicide

Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Tested to Prevent ... Brief cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can reduce suicide attempts compared with usual care, but whether specific components of CBT are ...

5. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04072666

A Comparison of Brief Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ... The final phase of treatment focuses on relapse prevention. CBT can challenge maladaptive beliefs, improve problem solving skills and social competence.

6. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0005789425001145

Massed brief cognitive behavioral therapy (mBCBT) for ... Two (6.7%) mBCBT patients made a suicide attempt (1 actual attempt and 1 interrupted attempt) within 1 month of completing treatment; the actual ...

7. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04072666

A Comparison of Brief Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ... The aim of this project is to assess if adding one of two structured suicide specific psychological interventions to a standardised clinical care approach ...