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Problem Solving Therapy for Suicide Prevention in Veterans

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Sherry A Beaudreau, 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

No current prescription for anti-psychotics if prescribed for a psychotic disorder

>= 60 years old

Must not have

Current prescription for anti-psychotics if prescribed for a psychotic disorder, and not prescribed for depression without psychosis

Diagnosis of dementia; evidence that cognitive impairment is indicative of possible dementia based on a positive cognitive telephone screen (>=10 errors on the Blessed cognitive screen)

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up change across 11 timepoints: baseline, after each of the 6 weekly treatment sessions, posttreatment (7 weeks), 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up.

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial aims to help older Veterans at risk for suicide by teaching them problem-solving skills and providing safety planning. The goal is to see if this method can better reduce suicidal thoughts and increase reasons for living.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for older Veterans (60+) with depression, anxiety, PTSD or similar conditions who have had suicidal thoughts but are not at imminent risk. They must be able to understand English and participate in therapy without severe cognitive impairment from dementia or recent head injury. Those with certain psychiatric disorders, substance abuse issues, unstable medical conditions, or currently in individual psychotherapy are excluded.

What is being tested?

The study compares usual VA care for suicide prevention with an addition of Problem Solving Therapy (PST) to see if it better reduces suicide risk among older Veterans. PST aims to improve coping strategies and has shown promise in pilot studies for reducing late-life suicide risk.

What are the potential side effects?

Problem Solving Therapy may cause emotional discomfort as individuals confront personal challenges during sessions. There might also be temporary increases in distress as participants learn new problem-solving skills.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

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I am not currently taking anti-psychotics for a psychotic disorder.

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I am 60 years old or older.

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I have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or similar conditions.

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I have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or PTSD.

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I have not had a head injury in the last year.

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I do not have any severe or unstable long-term illnesses.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

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I am currently taking anti-psychotics for a psychotic disorder, not just for depression.

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I have been diagnosed with dementia based on a cognitive phone test.

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I do not have depression, anxiety, or PTSD.

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I do not have any severe or unstable chronic illnesses.

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I am younger than 60 years old.

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My senses (sight, hearing, etc.) are not good enough for tests or treatment.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ change across 11 timepoints: baseline, after each of the 6 weekly treatment sessions, posttreatment (7 weeks), 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up.

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~change across 11 timepoints: baseline, after each of the 6 weekly treatment sessions, posttreatment (7 weeks), 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up.

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and change across 11 timepoints: baseline, after each of the 6 weekly treatment sessions, posttreatment (7 weeks), 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up. for reporting.