Kortenberg

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.

Researchers are evaluating two different electrode positions for electroconvulsive therapy ECT in adults with difficult-to-treat depression who do not show early improvement during an acute ECT course. The trial aims to compare continuing right unilateral RUL ECT versus switching to bitemporal BT ECT to see which approach speeds recovery and has less impact on memory. The study also follows depressive symptoms and cognitive performance up to three months after treatment. Participants who do not respond after four ECT sessions are randomly assigned to either continue with RUL ECT or switch to BT ECT until remission is reached. Treatments are delivered using different electrode placements on the ECT device. Assessments occur at baseline, after four and eight ECT sessions, at the end of the acute course up to seven weeks, and three months later. During the study, mood and neurocognitive tests, including assessments of autobiographical memory and various cognitive performance measures, are performed at multiple time points. Researchers track changes in depressive symptoms and memory function to understand treatment effects. The trial includes monitoring up to three months post-treatment to observe recovery and cognitive outcomes.