Dynamic Deconstructive Psychotherapy Versus Brief Intervention and Contact for Suicidal Adolescents and Young Adults

Launched by STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK - UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY · Aug 4, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a type of therapy called Dynamic Deconstructive Psychotherapy (DDP) to see if it helps reduce suicidal thoughts in young people aged 14 to 40 better than standard care combined with a brief intervention and contact (BIC). Both DDP and BIC are proven methods that can help those struggling with thoughts of suicide. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the DDP group or the BIC group, and they will receive their treatment at SUNY Upstate Medical University's Psychiatry High Risk Program.

To be eligible for the trial, individuals need to have certain levels of suicidal thoughts and should be fluent in English. They must also be willing to participate in outpatient treatment and have their sessions recorded. However, those with specific mental health diagnoses, very low body mass index (BMI), or who have previously received DDP treatment cannot participate. Each participant will be involved in the study for up to a year, and they will have regular sessions that include safety planning and the option for medication management if needed. This trial aims to find out which treatment is more effective in helping young people feel better and safer.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • CSSRS suicide ideation of ≥ 2 and PHQ-9 item 9 of ≥ 1
• • Ages 14 through 40 years old of both genders
• • Fluency in English
• • Willingness to enter outpatient treatment as evidenced by psychiatric consultation at the PHRP and attending a first session with their intake therapist
• • Willingness to be video-recorded
• • Completion of baseline outcomes measures
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Previous or current clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or autism spectrum disorder as ascertained by self-report on the PHRP intake packet, or on their electronic medical records, or by psychiatric evaluation at the PHRP
• • BMI \< 18 for adults ≥ 18 years old, and BMI \< 17 for adolescents
• • Concurrent use of weekly ECT, ketamine, or esketamine
• • IQ \< 80 on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test
• • Current or previous treatment with Dynamic Deconstructive Psychotherapy