What is ASSIP-OA studying for suicidal older adults?

ASSIP-OA is being studied to see if it can help prevent suicide and suicide attempts in adults aged 65 and older. Researchers aim to evaluate whether adding ASSIP-OA to usual treatment improves coping skills and psychiatric symptoms over two years. The Vastra Gotaland Region is leading this clinical trial to address suicide prevention in this age group.

Who may be eligible for this suicidal ideation clinical trial?

Adults aged 65 and older with recent suicidal behavior or serious suicidal plans may be eligible. Participants must have ongoing mental health care contact and be able to understand and consent to the study. People with dementia, severe psychosis, terminal illness, or significant communication difficulties are excluded. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this suicidal ideation clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the study intervention and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. However, personal expenses like travel or accommodation may vary and are not guaranteed to be paid for. Participants should plan accordingly for any such costs.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 65Years +

All Genders

ID06831942

Evaluation of a Short Psychosocial Intervention Program ASSIP-OA to Prevent Suicide in Adults Aged 65 and Older

Led by Vastra Gotaland Region · Updated on 2025-11-18

132

Participants Needed

Research Sites

104 weeks

Total Duration

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 programs 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

Age: 65Years +

All Genders

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

Research Team

Sara Hed, Phd Student

Margda Waern, Professor

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Evaluation of a Short Psychosocial Intervention Program ASSIP-OA to Prevent Suicide in Adults Aged 65 and Older

On this page

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Brief Title

Who Can Participate

Eligibility Criteria

Research Team

Not the Right Trial for You?

On this page

Who Can Participate

Eligibility Criteria