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.