Purpose and aims:
The present study consists of 3 projects in total and aims to investigate the (neuro-)
psychological patterns from suicidal ideation to suicidal behavior as well as the effects
and feasibility of ASSIP Home Treatment.
After the cross-sectional study in project 1 determining the (neuro-) psychological
patterns between suicide ideators (SUID) and suicide attempters, in project 2, the aim is
to learn more about the (neuro-) psychological patterns and how they are modulated by a
suicide-specific brief intervention ASSIP that was proven to be effective. In addition to
the (neuro-) psychological assessment, longitudinal process factors are examined by
comparing an ASSIP intervention group to a group of standard care plus resource interview
(STAR). The STAR intervention refers to the usual and customary practices within the
field, including suicide risk assessment, a non-specific resource focused intervention
and if necessary, further outpatient or inpatient treatment.
Background:
In Switzerland, approximately three people die by suicide every day and suicide attempts
exceed this number by far. As a previous suicide attempt is one of the strongest
predictors for a completed suicide, it is of utmost importance to identify the people at
risk. However, research has shown that traditional risk factors (e.g., depression,
psychiatric disorder, etc.) reliably predict suicide ideation but poorly predict suicidal
behavior. Furthermore, while effective suicide-specific interventions exist, up to 50% of
the suicide attempters reject the recommended treatment and around 60% discontinue
treatment after one session. Hence, a different approach is required. In this study,
three projects will be conducted. Project 1 aims is to identify the (neuro-)
psychological patterns of suicidal attempters by comparing between the following four
different groups:
- patients with a prior suicide attempt (SUAT) 2) patients with no prior suicide
attempt, but suicidal ideation (SUID) 3) a general patient group (CLIN), and 4) a healthy
control group (HLTH).
Project 2 aims to investigate how these patterns are modulated by the efficacious brief
therapy ASSIP. In project 3, the feasibility, effects and cost-effectiveness of the ASSIP
Home Treatment will be investigated.
Study design of project 2:
A longitudinal analysis over 12 months will only be conducted for the SUAT group. SUAT
who participated in project 1 will be asked whether they also wish to participate in
project 2. If they agree, they will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group
ASSIP or STAR group to understand the influence of the brief ASSIP on (neuro-)
psychological correlates in suicide attempters. The brief therapy ASSIP and STAR will
take place at the University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Bern (Switzerland).
Participants in project 2 will be assessed at 4 weeks, and 12 months after the first
assessment which was conducted within project 1 and participants will be assessed on
several process factors after each ASSIP or STAR session.