EMDR for Suicidal Thoughts

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Lisa M Burback, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Alberta

Must not be taking: Benzodiazepines, Cannabis, Illicit substances

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Severe dissociative symptoms, Psychotic, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 13

Duration: 6 weeks

42 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests the safety and effectiveness of online EMDR therapy for adults with suicidal thoughts. EMDR helps reduce the emotional pain of traumatic memories using specific eye movements. The study compares this therapy with regular psychiatric care to see if it reduces anxiety, depression, and suicidal thinking. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychological treatment developed to reduce distressing thoughts and feelings, initially used for trauma but also effective for addictions, phobias, and pain.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial does not specify that you need to stop taking your current medications, but you must refrain from using benzodiazepines, cannabis, or illicit substances 24 hours before and after EMDR sessions.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment EMDR for suicidal thoughts?

Research shows that EMDR, a therapy that helps people process traumatic memories, can reduce suicidal thoughts in people with major depressive disorder and those who have experienced trauma, like rape victims. Studies suggest it may help decrease the desire for suicide by addressing underlying trauma. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How is EMDR treatment different for suicidal thoughts?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is unique because it focuses on desensitizing painful memories that can trigger overwhelming emotions, which may reduce suicidal thoughts. Unlike other treatments, EMDR is a trauma-focused psychotherapy that can be delivered online, making it accessible even during situations like the COVID-19 pandemic. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Research Team

Lisa M Burback, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Alberta

Eligibility Criteria

Adults aged 18-65 with recent suicidal thoughts can join this trial if they have a primary care provider, can consent to treatment, and commit to twice-weekly sessions for 12 total. They need their own computer with camera/mic and a private space. They must avoid certain drugs before/after sessions.

Inclusion Criteria

You agree to not use benzodiazepines, cannabis, or illegal drugs 24 hours before or after EMDR sessions.

I am between 18 and 65 years old and have had thoughts of suicide in the past week.

and wear a gown Participants must be willing to wear a gown and adhere to the study safety precautions.

Exclusion Criteria

I experience severe dissociation, psychosis, or manic symptoms.

I have experienced severe symptoms like hearing voices, memory loss, or feeling detached from my emotions.

I am planning to have or currently undergoing ECT or trauma-focused therapy.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Preparation

Participants receive 1 to 3 preparation sessions including psychoeducation and preparation exercises before EMDR

1-2 weeks

1-3 visits (virtual)

Treatment

Participants receive up to 12 EMDR sessions focusing on experiences, urges, or negative thoughts associated with suicidal thoughts

6 weeks

12 visits (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including assessments of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation

4 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• EMDR

Trial Overview The trial is testing virtual EMDR therapy's safety and effectiveness against usual care in reducing suicidal ideation. Participants are randomly assigned to either receive EMDR plus usual care or just the usual care, comparing mental health outcomes pre- and post-treatment.

Participant Groups

Group I: Virtual EMDR Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Patients will receive 1 to 3 preparation sessions (which will include psychoeducation and preparation exercises before EMDR), followed by up to 12 EMDR sessions, delivered over encrypted Zoom videoconferencing. EMDR is an evidence based trauma therapy. These EMDR sessions will focus on the experiences, urges or negative thoughts associated with their suicidal thoughts. The sessions will be 90 minutes in length and occur twice per week. This group will also have access to usual psychiatric care, which usually includes a family doctor or psychiatrist, mental health therapist and having access to Edmonton's community mental health programs.

Group II: Treatment as usual Active Control 1 Intervention

This group will also have access to usual care, which usually includes a family doctor or psychiatrist, mental health therapist and having access to Edmonton's community mental health programs.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Alberta

Lead Sponsor

Trials

957

Recruited

437,000+

Alberta Health services

Collaborator

Trials

168

Recruited

658,000+

Findings from Research

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a rapid and effective treatment for severe depression, capable of quickly reducing or eliminating suicidal thoughts and behaviors, as demonstrated in a case study of an 88-year-old man who showed significant improvement after just one session.

The patient remained free of suicidal ideation for 5 months following the treatment, highlighting the potential long-term benefits of ECT even with a minimal number of sessions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Resolution of severe suicidality with a single electroconvulsive therapy. Kobeissi, J., Aloysi, A., Tobias, K., et al.[2011]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing as a therapy for rape victims: A case series. [2023]

2. New Zealand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Effect of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) on the severity of suicidal thoughts in patients with major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial. [2022]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Resolution of severe suicidality with a single electroconvulsive therapy. [2011]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using EMDR therapy with patients in an acute mental health crisis. [2020]

5. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Web-Based Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for Adults With Suicidal Ideation: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. [2021]