What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for suicide prevention that focus on social connectedness and resilience, such as training programs like Wingman-Connect, generally have minimal physical side effects. However, participants may experience emotional discomfort or distress as they engage in discussions about sensitive topics. Additionally, there may be variability in individual responses, with some participants feeling increased anxiety or stress initially as they confront personal issues. Overall, these programs are considered safe and beneficial for most individuals, with the primary side effects being emotional rather than physical.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has not specifically approved any medications solely for suicide prevention. However, certain treatments for underlying conditions like depression and anxiety, which can reduce suicide risk, have been approved. For example, antidepressants such as fluoxetine and sertraline are commonly used. Psychosocial interventions, similar to the Wingman-Connect program, focus on building social support and resilience, and while not FDA-approved, they are widely recognized as effective strategies in suicide prevention.

What other types of research exist?

Promising alternatives to Wingman-Connect for suicide prevention in 2024 include: 1) Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) platforms, which have shown efficacy in improving mental health outcomes and can be widely accessible. 2) Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) programs, which provide comprehensive, community-based psychiatric treatment, rehabilitation, and support to individuals with severe mental illness. 3) Peer support programs, which leverage the shared experiences of individuals to provide mutual support and reduce feelings of isolation. 4) Technology-enhanced interventions, such as smartphone applications and interactive voice response systems, which can provide continuous support and monitoring. These alternatives focus on enhancing social connectedness, resilience, and accessibility, similar to Wingman-Connect.

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Wingman-Connect for Suicide Prevention

N/A

Waitlist Available

Research Sponsored by University of Rochester

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 4 years

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial tests the Wingman-Connect training program, which helps new Airmen build strong social connections and healthy coping habits to prevent suicide. The program targets first-term Airmen who may be more vulnerable to stress. It works by creating a supportive community and teaching effective stress management.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for US Air Force bases, specifically those in the Air Force Global Strike Command and Air Mobility Command. It involves around 96 implementers responsible for delivering Wingman-Connect training to first-term Airmen, with an estimated total of 17,400 Airmen participating across all bases.

What is being tested?

The study tests the impact of Wingman-Connect, a suicide prevention program implemented at eight operational AF bases. The effectiveness will be measured by analyzing base-level suicide attempt rates before and after the intervention over a period of 51 months using a randomized stepped-wedge design.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this trial focuses on implementing a training program rather than a medical intervention, traditional side effects are not applicable. However, there may be psychological impacts or changes in behavior among participants that could arise from their involvement in the program.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ 4 years

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~4 years

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 4 years for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

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

Primary study objectives

Total Number Base level suicide attempts among Ranks E1-4

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

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

Trial Design

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Wingman-ConnectExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Wingman-Connect (Wyman et al., 2020) uses a network health theoretical framework to strengthen two suicide-protective functions of social networks: 1) Strengthening positive social bonds, and 2) Building healthy norms that incentivize adaptive coping. Training will be delivered in First Term Airmen classes among all Airmen arriving at base during the study period.

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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, such as the Wingman-Connect program, focus on fostering social connectedness and building resilience. These interventions work by creating strong support networks and enhancing individuals' ability to cope with stress and emotional challenges. This approach is crucial for suicide prevention patients as it directly addresses feelings of isolation and provides a sense of belonging and support, which are essential for mitigating suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Reports on the Perceived Advantages and Disadvantages of Suicidal Behavior by Patients With Depression.