Smartphone Therapy for Suicide
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new smartphone-based therapy designed to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The treatment, called Therapeutic Evaluative Conditioning for Suicide (TEC-S), is delivered through an app and aims to assist individuals who frequently experience suicidal ideation. It targets adults who have had active suicidal thoughts on at least five days in the past month and reside in the Boston area. Participants must own a smartphone and have occasional internet access.
As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to access innovative therapy and contribute to important mental health research.
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 doctor.
What prior data suggests that this smartphone-delivered intervention is safe for reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviors?
Research has shown that mobile health tools, such as the TEC-S app, can help reduce suicidal thoughts. This app promotes positive self-reflection and diminishes negative thoughts about suicide. Studies on similar digital tools have found them safe and easy to use. Users often report feeling better after using them, with few side effects. Although the TEC-S app is still under testing, it is designed with methods proven safe in other contexts. For those considering joining a trial for TEC-S, evidence suggests it should be a safe way to manage suicidal thoughts.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Unlike standard treatments for suicidal thoughts, which often involve in-person therapy sessions or medication, Therapeutic Evaluative Conditioning for Suicide (TEC-S) is delivered through a smartphone app. This method allows for more immediate, flexible support, meeting users wherever they are and whenever they need it. Researchers are excited about TEC-S because it uses evaluative conditioning, a psychological technique designed to change negative thought patterns, in a more accessible and potentially more engaging format than traditional therapy. This approach could open up new avenues for treatment, especially for those who may not have easy access to mental health services.
What evidence suggests that this smartphone therapy is effective for reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviors?
Research has shown that digital tools like Therapeutic Evaluative Conditioning for Suicide (TEC-S) can help reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors. In a previous study, TEC-S was tested with teenagers and showed promise in decreasing these harmful thoughts. This trial will evaluate the effectiveness of smartphone-delivered active TEC-S for adults. Other studies have found that mobile health (mHealth) tools generally lower the risk of suicide. While more research is needed for adults, early findings suggest that delivering these interventions via smartphone can be both helpful and accessible.23567
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 18 in the Boston area who own a smartphone, have frequent recent suicidal thoughts, and can provide an emergency contact. They must speak English and consent to participate. People without occasional Wi-Fi access or outside the specified location are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive the smartphone-delivered intervention TEC-S for 30 days, with 3x daily ecological momentary assessments (EMA) and optional access to active TEC-S
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Therapeutic Evaluative Conditioning for Suicide (TEC-S)
Trial Overview
The study tests TEC-S, a smartphone app designed to help reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Participants will use their own phones to engage with this intervention and share data via Wi-Fi.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Optional smartphone-delivered active Therapeutic Evaluative Conditioning for Suicide (active TEC-S) for 30 days.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborator
Citations
Mobile Health Technology Interventions for Suicide Prevention
Background: Digital interventions are proposed as one way by which effective treatments for self-harm and suicidal ideation.
Mobile Health Technology Interventions for Suicide Prevention
This review aimed to examine the effectiveness of currently available mobile health (mHealth) technology tools in reducing suicide-specific outcomes.
Examining the efficacy of a digital therapeutic to prevent ...
The central focus of this study is to test the efficacy of Aviva, a scalable, digital adaptation of Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention in ...
Therapeutic Evaluative Conditioning for Suicidal Thoughts ...
This trial tests a new method called Therapeutic Evaluative Conditioning to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents.
5.
suicideinfo.ca
suicideinfo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Effectiveness-of-mobile-applications-as-intervention-tools-in-suicidal-ideation.pdfEffectiveness of mobile applications as intervention tools in ...
Resumo. Objetivo. Avaliar a eficácia dos aplicativos desenvolvidos para intervenção no risco de suicídio em adultos.
Study Details | NCT06967545 | A One-Arm Open Trial of a ...
This study aims to evaluate the acceptability, safety, and preliminary efficacy of a smartphone-delivered intervention called Therapeutic Evaluative ...
TEC-TEC: An app for evaluative conditioning
The app is designed to condition more positive association with the self, and more negative associations with suicide and self-injury.
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