Investigating an intervention program to reduce suicidal behavior in adolescents with psychiatric disorders: A protocol design

Abstract

Introduction

Suicide is the leading cause of unnatural death in adolescents. In addition, between 7 and 17% of adolescents may engage in at least one suicide attempt, with prevalence being dramatically higher in adolescents with psychiatric pathology. Death by suicide is usually preceded by several attempts to take one's own life. Among the risk factors most consistently associated with suicidal intent is suicidal ideation. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the Self-Awareness of Mental Health (SAM) program enriching standard care, for adolescents at high suicide risk (mental disorder and high suicidal ideation).

Methodology

A randomized single-blind controlled clinical trial will be conducted with a sample of 116 adolescents with suicidal ideation and/or suicide attempt, referred by their psychiatrists from the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (Madrid, Spain). The cohort will be divided into two groups (an intervention group, in which the SAM intervention will be administered as an adjuvant to standard treatment; and a treatment-as-usual group). An extensive clinical assessment on risk factors for suicidal behavior and psychiatric symptoms will be applied up to four times: baseline, post (5 weeks), 3 and 6 months.

Results

Data collection is ongoing. This study will provide data on the effectiveness of the SAM intervention in reducing ideation, preventing the occurrence of suicide attempts, and mitigating emotional symptomatology, such as for anxiety and depression.