What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common side effects of treatments for self-harm, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and similar psychotherapies, include temporary increases in distress or anxiety as patients address challenging emotions and thoughts. Some individuals may also experience fatigue or emotional exhaustion due to the therapy's intensity. These side effects are usually short-lived and manageable with appropriate therapeutic support.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

There are no specific FDA-approved medications for the treatment of self-harm. However, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other psychotherapies have been shown to be effective in reducing self-harm behaviors and improving psychosocial functioning. These therapies are often used in clinical practice to address underlying issues such as depression, anxiety, and trauma, which can contribute to self-harm. The trial studying brief psychotherapy with behavioral and cognitive techniques aims to reduce nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and improve psychosocial outcomes, aligning with the broader use of CBT in managing self-harm.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives to brief psychotherapy for self-harm patients include: 1) Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which has shown efficacy in improving psychological well-being and reducing symptoms in various conditions. 2) Text messaging-based interventions, although they have shown limited acceptance, they could be refined for better engagement. 3) Web-based psychoeducation, which has been effective in other psychiatric conditions and could be adapted for self-harm. 4) Habit reversal treatment, which has shown significant reduction in self-injurious behavior in specific cases. These alternatives offer diverse approaches that can be tailored to individual needs and preferences.

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Behavioral Intervention

Brief Intervention for Self-Harm in Veterans (STRIVe Trial)

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Tate F Halverson, PhD

Research Sponsored by VA Office of Research and Development

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be older than 18 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up end of treatment, about nine weeks after beginning the study

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial is testing a therapy called T-SIB to help Veterans who hurt themselves on purpose. The therapy teaches healthier ways to cope and uses real-time tracking to understand and manage triggers. Veterans are targeted because they have higher rates of self-injury, which can lead to serious mental health problems.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for Veterans aged 18 or older who have harmed themselves on purpose at least twice in the past month without suicidal intent. Participants must be fluent in English and able to consent to the study. Those with a history of psychosis, mania, hypomania, or current high risk of suicide or homicide are not eligible.

What is being tested?

The study is testing a brief intervention designed to reduce self-harm behaviors and improve psychosocial functioning among Veterans. It will compare this new approach against the usual treatment methods typically offered for self-injury.

What are the potential side effects?

As this trial involves psychological interventions rather than medication, traditional side effects are not applicable. However, participants may experience emotional discomfort when discussing self-injurious behavior.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ end of treatment, about nine weeks after beginning the study

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~end of treatment, about nine weeks after beginning the study

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and end of treatment, about nine weeks after beginning the study for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Feasibility as measured by number of participants enrolled

Feasibility as measured rate of retention

Secondary study objectives

Number of participants who report satisfaction with the T-SIB treatment

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: T-SIBExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants randomized to the Treatment for Self-Injurious Behaviors (T-SIB) condition will receive nine sessions of T-SIB.

Group II: Treatment As UsualActive Control1 Intervention

Participants randomized to the TAU condition will be provided with referrals to both Durham VA and local community mental health resources and offered a consult for Durham VA mental health services.

Do I qualify?Apply below to find out

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

The most common treatments for self-harm, particularly brief psychotherapy using behavioral and cognitive techniques, work by addressing the underlying psychological factors that contribute to self-injurious behaviors. Behavioral techniques, such as skills training, help patients manage distress and reduce impulsive actions. Cognitive techniques aim to alter negative thought patterns that lead to self-harm. These mechanisms are essential for self-harm patients as they improve emotional regulation and enhance psychosocial functioning, thereby reducing the frequency and severity of self-harm incidents.

Psychosocial versus pharmacological treatments for deliberate self harm.