Preventing Suicidal Behavior With Diverse High-Risk Youth in Acute Care Settings

Launched by JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · Nov 21, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is focused on helping young people who are at high risk for suicide. Researchers are comparing two different approaches to see which one works better in preventing suicidal thoughts and actions. One approach is called the Stanley Brown Safety Planning Intervention and Follow-up Contacts (SPI+), which helps individuals create a plan to stay safe and provides support after a crisis. The other approach is called Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents Ultra Short Crisis Intervention (IPT-A SCI), which teaches young people skills to cope with crises and resolve personal issues that may lead to suicidal thoughts. The trial is taking place in three diverse urban areas: Philadelphia, Baltimore, and New York City.

To participate in this study, individuals aged 12 to 19 who have recently visited an emergency department for concerns related to suicide may be eligible. This includes those who have expressed serious thoughts of harming themselves. Participants should also have a cell phone for communication and be able to speak and understand English or Spanish. Throughout the study, participants will receive support and treatment tailored to their needs. Importantly, the findings from this trial will help shape future care for young people facing suicidal challenges in emergency settings.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Acute care visit for suicide-related concern or screen positive on a suicide risk screener (serious SI as indicated by a C-SSRS screening endorsing question two "Have you actually had any thoughts of killing yourself?" in past four weeks or SA in past four weeks);
• • Has a cell phone with ability to receive phone calls and text messages over the 12-month follow-up;
• • Ability to speak, understand, and read in English or Spanish
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Significant cognitive or developmental delays that prevent understanding or using SPI or IPT-A SCI. Participants must be verbally fluent and have the ability to communicate verbally. This will, in part, be determined by notes in Epic and/or by asking one of the patient's parents/clinicians;
• • Altered mental status that precludes ability to provide informed assent or consent (acute psychosis, intoxication, or mania);
• • Unable to provide informed consent (adults); assent (minors); permission (parents/caregivers).