Written Exposure Therapy for Suicide Prevention

Launched by BOSTON UNIVERSITY · May 18, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new therapy called Written Exposure Therapy for Suicide Prevention (WET-SP) to help active-duty military service members who are hospitalized due to thoughts of self-harm or suicide. The goal is to see if this therapy can reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors after they leave the hospital. Participants in this study will write about their feelings and experiences related to their distress, which has shown promise in helping many people in the past. They will receive five therapy sessions while they are in the hospital, along with standard care from the hospital staff.

To be eligible for the study, participants must be active-duty military members who have been admitted to the hospital for suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts, and must be able to read, write, and speak English. They should also have high levels of suicidal thoughts recently. Those who are experiencing severe mental health issues, like active psychosis, or have significant cognitive difficulties will not be included. Throughout the trial, participants will be assessed at various points, including before and after the therapy, and at follow-up visits to see how they are doing. This study is important because it aims to provide a new approach to support service members during a critical time in their lives.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Current active duty military service member, veteran, and beneficiaries
• • Admitted to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (CRDAMC) for suicidal thoughts, a suicide plan, or a suicide attempt
• • Elevated levels of suicidal ideation severity in the past two weeks, as indicated by a score \>= 3 on the Depressive Symptom Index-Suicidality Subscale (DSI-SS)
• • Ability to read, write, and speak English
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Active psychosis as the priority of care for hospitalization
• • Moderate or greater cognitive impairment (as determined by the inability to comprehend the baseline screening questionnaires)
• • Unable to provide informed consent