What is Attachment Based Family Therapy (ABFT) studying for suicidal young adults?

Attachment Based Family Therapy (ABFT) is being studied to see if it can better reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults compared to current treatments. This clinical trial, sponsored by the Academisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam, evaluates whether ABFT improves family relationships and mental health while being cost-effective.

Who may be eligible for this suicidal ideation clinical trial?

Young adults aged 18 to 25 with frequent suicidal thoughts, who have at least one primary parent or caregiver willing to participate, may be eligible. Individuals with severe substance use disorders, psychosis, or severe cognitive impairments 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 therapy and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. However, personal travel or other expenses may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered by the study.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 18Years - 25Years

All Genders

ID05965622

Targeting Suicidality in Young Adults a Randomized, Controlled Pragmatic, Multicentre Trial Evaluating the Cost-Effectiveness of Attachment Based Family Therapy Compared to Treatment as Usual

Led by Academisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA) · Updated on 2024-08-22

138

Participants Needed

Research Sites

52 weeks

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Young adults aged 18 to 25 who experience frequent thoughts about killing themselves are the focus of this study, which evaluates the cost-effectiveness of Attachment Based Family Therapy ABFT compared to Treatment As Usual TAU. Suicide is a leading cause of death among young adults, and current treatments have limited success. This trial aims to determine if involving family through ABFT can better reduce suicidality and improve outcomes, informing clinical guidelines and care practices in Belgium and the Netherlands. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups the experimental group receives ABFT as an add-on to TAU, which includes treatments like antidepressants, CBT, or DBT, with weekly ABFT sessions lasting about 16 weeks. The control group receives TAU alone, allowing up to four sessions of systemic family therapy. ABFT focuses on strengthening parent-child attachment bonds to provide a supportive base for young adults, involving parents or caregivers actively in therapy. Throughout the study, suicidality is measured at baseline, immediately after intervention, and at follow-ups 3, 6, and 12 months post-intervention using tools like the Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire Junior. Researchers also assess depressive symptoms, family functioning, attachment, quality of life, and healthcare costs. The trial includes 138 participants across multiple sites, with double-blind randomized allocation. Safety, adherence, and cost-effectiveness are closely monitored during and after the treatment period.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

(Cost)-Effectiveness of ABFT for Suicidal Youth.

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years - 25Years

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Aged between 18 and 25.
Score above 31 on the Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire Junior.
Have at least one primary parent or caregiver who participates in assessment and treatment (biological parent, stepparent, grandparent, other relative, or foster parent).

You will not qualify if you...

Severe alcohol or cannabis use disorder, or modest/severe substance use disorder for other substances.
Severe conduct disorder.
Evidence of psychotic features or prior psychosis.
Severe cognitive impairment such as mental retardation or severe developmental disorders.
Other circumstances affecting participation, such as severe medical disorders or relocation.

Research Team

Claudi LH Bockting, Professor

Nadia Van Der Spek, PhD

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