Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Youth Suicide Prevention
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a brief version of Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents (IPT-A) to assist Hispanic teens in community centers who feel down or disconnected. The study aims to determine if mentors can effectively deliver this therapy to reduce depression, lack of belonging, and feelings of being a burden. Researchers will compare this therapy to the usual community center support to identify which is more effective. Teens aged 12-17 who feel mildly depressed but aren't experiencing active thoughts of self-harm might be suitable participants. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance mental health support for teens.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
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.
What prior data suggests that this adapted psychotherapy is safe for adolescents?
Research shows that Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents (IPT-A) is generally easy for young people to handle. Previous studies suggest that this therapy is safe and effective for teenagers, with no reports of serious side effects.
The version tested in youth community centers is short and focused. It aims to help teenagers improve relationships and communication skills, reducing feelings of depression and loneliness. Studies have shown promising results, with many teenagers responding well to the therapy sessions.
Overall, the evidence suggests that this therapy is safe for teenagers, making it a viable option for those interested in joining a clinical trial.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about Adapted Brief Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents (IPT-A LAZOS) because it offers a fresh approach to youth suicide prevention by training and utilizing youth mentors in community settings. Unlike traditional treatments, which often involve professional therapists and can be less accessible, this method leverages the influence and relatability of trained peers to create supportive environments. The focus on improving interpersonal skills and relationships directly addresses feelings of isolation and burden that many adolescents face, potentially reducing depressive symptoms more effectively in a real-world setting.
What evidence suggests that adapted IPT-A is effective for youth suicide prevention?
Research has shown that Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents (IPT-A) effectively reduces depression symptoms and improves feelings of belonging. Studies have found that IPT-A helps teens understand and express their emotions, strengthening their relationships and communication skills. This therapy reduces feelings of being a burden to others, a known risk factor for suicidal thoughts. Early results suggest that even short versions of IPT-A can positively impact mental health, especially in teens with mild depression. In this trial, one group of participants will receive an adapted version of IPT-A delivered by youth mentors, aiming to make these benefits more accessible in community settings. Another group will continue with the usual community center services for comparison.12346
Who Is on the Research Team?
Carolina Vélez-Grau, PHD, LCSW
Principal Investigator
Boston College
Laura Mufson, PhD
Principal Investigator
Columbia University
Susan Witte, PhD
Principal Investigator
Columbia University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for Hispanic adolescents aged 12-17 with mild depression (PHQ-9 score of 4-9) who are enrolled in youth community centers. Participants need consent from both themselves and a parent, must not have current suicidal plans or self-harming behaviors, and should be willing to engage in therapy sessions.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive 6 weekly sessions of adapted IPT-A delivered by trained youth mentors
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in depressive symptoms, interpersonal factors, and anxiety
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Adapted Brief Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents (IPT-A LAZOS)
Trial Overview
The study tests an adapted version of Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents (IPT-A), delivered by trained mentors at youth community centers. It compares the effectiveness of six weekly IPT-A sessions on depression symptoms, sense of belonging, and perceived burdensomeness against usual care involving one session focused on active listening.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Participants in this arm will receive 6 weekly sessions of an adapted, brief Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents (IPT-A) delivered by trained youth mentors (n=5) at the partnering youth community centers. The intervention focuses on improving interpersonal functioning, communication skills, and supportive relationships to reduce depressive symptoms, low belongingness, and perceived burdensomeness.
Participants in this arm will continue to receive the standard youth programming and services offered at the participating community centers. This is an individual session focused on active listening.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Boston College
Lead Sponsor
Citations
NCT07383831 | Task-Shifting for Youth Suicide Prevention
Adolescents in this intervention will receive 6 weekly sessions of an adaptation of Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents (IPT-A) ...
Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Youth Suicide Prevention
It compares the effectiveness of six weekly IPT-A sessions on depression symptoms, sense of belonging, and perceived burdensomeness against ...
Ultra-brief crisis interpersonal psychotherapy based ... - PMC
Recently, a number of studies documented the potential for effectiveness of IPT in treating suicidal patients. Mufson et al[17] presented preliminary outcomes ...
Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depressed Adolescents
IPT-A aims to help adolescents identify their feelings and understand how interpersonal and environmental factors impact their mood, strengthen communication ...
Ultra-Brief Crisis IPT-A Based Intervention for Suicidal ...
This paper aims to review the theoretical foundation of this intervention, describe the research design, and present preliminary results of a pilot study.
6.
blueprintsprograms.org
blueprintsprograms.org/programs/1349999999/interpersonal-psychotherapy-adolescent-skills-training/print/Interpersonal Psychotherapy – Adolescent Skills Training
An 8-week in-school program designed to reduce and prevent depressive symptoms in adolescents by improving communication skills and interpersonal relationships.
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