Actively Recruiting
Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program for Older Adults (ASSIP-OA): An RCT and a Qualitative Evaluation of a Psychosocial Intervention for Suicidal Adults Aged 65+
Led by Vastra Gotaland Region · Updated on 2025-11-18
132
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
104 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
V
Vastra Gotaland Region
Lead Sponsor
G
Göteborg University
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating a modified version of the Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP) tailored specifically for adults aged 65 and older who are at risk of suicide. This study addresses a significant gap in suicide prevention research for older adults, as this age group experiences higher suicide rates in Sweden and many other countries. The trial aims to determine if the adapted ASSIP-Older Adult program (ASSIP-OA) can reduce new suicide attempts and deaths compared to usual treatment, and also to assess its feasibility, acceptability, and impact on psychiatric symptoms and coping skills. The study compares two groups: one receiving ASSIP-OA along with treatment as usual (TAU), and the other receiving only TAU. The ASSIP-OA intervention includes up to five sessions involving narrative interviews, video playback for self-reflection, personalized case conceptualization, safety strategy training, and an optional session involving close relatives or support persons. Therapists will also send standardized letters periodically during the two-year follow-up. TAU typically involves antidepressant medication, possibly combined with other psychoactive drugs, electroconvulsive therapy for severe cases, and supportive contacts with mental health professionals. Participants will be monitored over 24 months with follow-up assessments at 6, 12, and 24 months to track new suicidal episodes, suicidal thoughts, depressive and anxiety symptoms, coping abilities, quality of life, and healthcare usage. The study also gathers information on participants' experiences and therapists' perspectives regarding the intervention. This comprehensive evaluation includes questionnaires and clinical monitoring to measure the program's preventive effects and its suitability for older adults at risk of suicide.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program for Older Adults (ASSIP-OA): An Evaluation of a Psychosocial Intervention for Suicidal Adults Aged 65+
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 65 and above at time of index suicide attempt or hospitalisation for serious suicidal plans
- Have a mental health care contact during the active treatment period
- Capable of understanding study procedures and providing informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Clinical diagnosis of dementia or MoCa score less than -2 standard deviations from normative score for education and age
- Ongoing delirium or any condition impeding comprehension of study procedures and informed consent
- Severe ongoing psychosis, substance use disorder, emotionally unstable personality syndrome, or other condition requiring longer specialized treatment
- Terminal illness
- Insufficient knowledge of the Swedish language (requires interpreter)
- Severe aphasia, communication issues, or severe hearing/visual impairment making the intervention unfeasible despite corrective aids
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Approximately 5 weeks
Participants receive the ASSIP-OA psychosocial intervention consisting of up to five sessions focused on suicidal crisis management, combined with treatment as usual, or they receive treatment as usual alone.
Up to 5 sessions, including optional sessions with support persons
Duration - Up to 24 months
Participants are monitored for new suicidal episodes and assessed for mental health outcomes such as suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, coping, and quality of life.
Follow-up visits at 6, 12, and 24 months
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Södra Älvsborg Hospital
Borås, Sweden, 50182
Actively Recruiting
2
Sahlgrenska University Hospital
Gothenburg, Sweden, 41345
Not Yet Recruiting
Research Team
S
Sara Hed, Phd Student
M
Margda Waern, Professor
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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