Motivational Interviewing for Suicidal Thoughts
(MI-SI Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a special type of counseling called MI-SI-R, which helps Veterans who are thinking about suicide find reasons to live. The study involves 470 high-risk Veterans who have had suicidal thoughts or attempts. The goal is to see if this counseling, combined with usual care, reduces suicide attempts and suicidal thoughts more effectively than usual care alone. Motivational interviewing to address suicidal ideation (MI-SI) has been previously tested for its acceptability and effectiveness in reducing suicidal thoughts among hospitalized 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's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.
Is Motivational Interviewing for Suicidal Thoughts safe for humans?
Research on Motivational Interviewing (MI) for addressing suicidal thoughts, including its use with hospitalized veterans and adolescents, suggests it is generally safe. The studies focus on enhancing motivation and self-efficacy (belief in one's ability to succeed) for safety plan use, and no specific safety concerns have been reported in these contexts.12345
How is the treatment Motivational Interviewing to Address Suicidal Ideation- Revised (MI-SI-R) different from other treatments for suicidal thoughts?
Motivational Interviewing to Address Suicidal Ideation- Revised (MI-SI-R) is unique because it focuses on enhancing a person's own motivation to change their behavior by exploring and resolving ambivalence (mixed feelings), which is different from traditional treatments that may not emphasize personal motivation as much. It is a patient-centered counseling style originally developed for issues like alcohol abuse and smoking cessation, now being adapted to help individuals with suicidal thoughts.34678
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Motivational Interviewing for Suicidal Thoughts?
Research shows that Motivational Interviewing (MI) is effective in helping people change behaviors and has been used successfully in managing suicidal thoughts. Studies indicate that MI can reduce the severity of suicidal thoughts and increase engagement with mental health services, making it a promising approach for addressing suicidality.346910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Peter C. Britton, PhD MS
Principal Investigator
VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System, Canandaigua, NY
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for Veterans over 18 who've recently attempted suicide or have severe suicidal thoughts. They must be English-speaking, able to understand the study, and give informed consent. It's not for those with active mania, current psychosis, dementia, or impaired decision-making capacity.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive Motivational Interviewing to Address Suicidal Ideation (MI-SI-R) in three sessions delivered in-person, virtually, or by telephone, along with Enhanced Usual Care (EUC) including safety plans, care coordination, and access to a 24-hour crisis hotline
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment through telephone follow-up assessments
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Enhanced usual care (EUC)
- Motivational Interviewing to Address Suicidal Ideation- Revised (MI-SI-R)
Motivational Interviewing to Address Suicidal Ideation- Revised (MI-SI-R) is already approved in United States for the following indications:
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
VA Office of Research and Development
Lead Sponsor
Syracuse VA Medical Center
Collaborator
Portland VA Medical Center
Collaborator
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center
Collaborator