Randomized Study of Psychoeducational Group Therapy Versus Individual Therapy for Suicide Prevention in Adults

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate a psychoeducational course designed to help patients who have a history of increased suicide risk. The study compares this group intervention to a control group receiving a single individual session focused on safety planning. Both groups will continue to receive treatment as usual during acute care and follow-up. The study is conducted as a randomized controlled trial involving patients admitted to acute psychiatric wards or those in contact with outpatient emergency psychiatry teams. Participants randomized to the psychoeducational course will attend group sessions that include three meetings for patients and one session for their next of kin. The sessions cover topics such as understanding suicidal thoughts and behaviors, recognizing triggers and early warning signs, and creating personalized safety plans to prevent future suicide risk. The control group receives one individual therapy session focused on suicide risk and safety planning with a psychologist or physician. Both groups continue treatment as usual, which may include medication and occupational therapy. During the study, participants will complete assessments measuring self-efficacy, mental pain, depression, and anxiety immediately after intervention and at 6, 12, 24, and 60 months post-intervention. Researchers will also track suicide attempts, suicide deaths, psychiatric hospital admissions, and other related outcomes over the same follow-up periods. The study includes blinded data collection and rating to reduce bias, with a total participation duration extending up to five years after the intervention.

Psychoeducational Course for Suicide Prevention