Real-time Intervention for Suicide Risk Reduction

Harvard University25 enrolled

Overview

The goal of this study is to provide an initial pilot test of an Ecological Momentary Intervention (EMI) designed the reduce the distress associated with negative emotion among individuals at risk for suicide that pairs content from a smartphone with a wearable physiological monitor. Participants will be 25 suicidal adult inpatients who will complete three brief therapy sessions with a study therapist and then complete exercises associated with the study for the duration of the inpatient period and for 28 days after they leave the hospital. During the time they are in the study, participants will be asked to install on their smartphone a mobile application to deliver the therapeutic content and will wear a physiological monitoring device on their wrist (Empatica Embrace) which will monitor objective signals of physiological distress (e.g., skin conductance).

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Suicide, Attempted Suicide and Self-harm

Interventions

Ecological momentary interventionBEHAVIORAL

Content of this intervention is based on pre-established transdiagnostic protocols for addressing the negative emotion associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion criteria: * A recent suicide attempt or serious suicidal ideation (i.e., ideation with at least 70% intent or a suicide plan with access to lethal means), * The ability to speak and write English fluently, access to an internet-capable smartphone (e.g., an iPhone or Android phone) * Providing at least one collateral contact in cases where the investigators cannot reach the participant. Exclusion criteria: * The presence of any factor that impairs an individual's ability to comprehend and effectively participate in the study including: * An inability to speak or write English fluently * The presence of gross cognitive impairment due to florid psychosis, intellectual disability, dementia, or acute intoxication. * The presence of extremely agitated or violent behavior.

Locations (1)

Massachusetts General Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

RECRUITING

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in momentary levels of self-reported distress

Assessed via smartphone assessments

Time frame: Through study completion (duration of inpatient stay + 4 weeks post-discharge)

Change in momentary levels of physiological distress

Skin conductance (assessed with wearable device)

Time frame: Through study completion (duration of inpatient stay + 4 weeks post-discharge)

Change in momentary levels of suicidal thinking

Assessed via smartphone assessments

Time frame: Through study completion (duration of inpatient stay + 4 weeks post-discharge)

Central Contacts

Evan M Kleiman, Ph.D.

CONTACT

8484458123 ekleiman@fas.harvard.edu

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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