What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

Common treatments for suicide prevention, especially for sexual and gender diverse youth, include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other brief interventions delivered via telehealth. These treatments work by helping patients identify and change negative thought patterns, develop coping strategies, and build a support network. The telehealth delivery method increases accessibility and convenience, which is crucial for reaching at-risk populations who may face barriers to in-person care. By addressing the specific needs and stressors of sexual and gender diverse youth, these interventions can effectively reduce suicidal ideation and improve mental health outcomes.

What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for suicide prevention, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other psychotherapeutic interventions, generally have minimal physical side effects. However, patients may experience emotional discomfort as they confront distressing thoughts and feelings during therapy sessions. For telehealth delivery, technical issues and a lack of in-person interaction can sometimes hinder the therapeutic process. It is crucial to monitor patients closely for any worsening of symptoms, including increased anxiety or depression, especially in vulnerable populations such as sexual and gender diverse youth.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

There are no specific FDA-approved medications solely for the treatment of suicide. However, certain antidepressants and antipsychotics have been used off-label to manage suicidal ideation. Treatments similar to the ones being studied in the trial for sexual and gender diverse youth via telehealth include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other psychotherapeutic interventions, which have shown efficacy in reducing suicidal thoughts. These interventions are adapted to be culturally sensitive and accessible through telehealth platforms to address the unique needs of this population.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives to Brief Suicide Prevention Interventions for sexual and gender diverse youth delivered via telehealth include: 1) Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) tailored for LGBTQ+ youth, which can address specific stressors and mental health challenges faced by this group. 2) Mobile apps providing real-time mental health support and crisis intervention, such as those using AI to offer personalized coping strategies. 3) Online peer support groups moderated by trained professionals, offering a safe space for sharing experiences and receiving support. 4) Virtual reality (VR) therapy, which can create immersive environments for practicing coping skills and reducing anxiety. 5) Telehealth-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), focusing on helping individuals accept their thoughts and feelings while committing to behavior changes aligned with their values.

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Suicide Prevention Interventions for Suicidal Thoughts in Young Adults

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Elizabeth Arnold, PhD

Research Sponsored by Elizabeth Arnold

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

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

Must have

Be between 18 and 65 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up baseline and months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial aims to reduce suicide among young people by testing two short online programs. These programs are designed to help reduce suicidal thoughts and will be delivered through primary care clinics in Texas.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for sexual and gender diverse young adults aged 18-24 in Texas who speak English, have not had mental health services (except medication/case management) in the past 90 days, and are at risk of suicide.

What is being tested?

The study aims to reduce suicide by comparing two telehealth interventions adapted for sexual and gender diverse youth: YST-III vs. STAT-PC. Clinics will be randomly chosen to use one of these methods with participants.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this trial involves psychological interventions rather than medications, side effects may include emotional discomfort or distress during or after sessions but are generally considered low-risk.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ baseline and months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~baseline and months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and baseline and months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

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

Primary study objectives

Change in suicidal ideation as measured by the Adult Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire (ASIQ)

Secondary study objectives

Change in depressive symptoms as measured by Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Revised CESD-R

Change in internalized stigma as measured by Internalized Transphobia Scale (ITS)-adapted

Change in number of mental healthcare service utilization as measured by Emergency Department Screen for Teens at Risk for Suicide (ED-STARS) mental health service utilization check list

+3 more

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

Group I: Youth-Nominated Support Team (YST-III)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention

This group will participate in a brief, suicide prevention intervention originally developed for youth who have been psychiatrically hospitalized due to a suicide attempt or suicidal ideation that has been adapted.

Group II: Suicidal Teens Accessing Treatment - Primary Care (STAT-PC)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention

This group will participate in a brief, suicide prevention intervention based on motivational interviewing that focuses on mental health care seeking behavior, problem-solving, and referrals plus brief case management that has been adapted.

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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

Common treatments for suicide prevention, especially for sexual and gender diverse youth, include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other brief interventions delivered via telehealth. These treatments work by helping patients identify and change negative thought patterns, develop coping strategies, and build a support network. The telehealth delivery method increases accessibility and convenience, which is crucial for reaching at-risk populations who may face barriers to in-person care. By addressing the specific needs and stressors of sexual and gender diverse youth, these interventions can effectively reduce suicidal ideation and improve mental health outcomes.