AI-delivered DBT skills to prevent suicide in older adults with HIV
Piloting AI-Delivered Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention in Older Patients Living With HIV
This project will test an AI chatbot that delivers DBT skills to help adults aged 50+ living with HIV manage strong emotions and reduce suicidal thoughts.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Newark, New Jersey and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07339189 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Investigators will adapt Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills into brief videos and an AI-powered conversational agent called Angel to address suicidal ideation in older adults living with HIV. The intervention is delivered via participants' smartphones and pairs skills training with on-demand chatbot coaching. A pilot of 50 participants aged 50 and older with evidence of suicide risk (but not imminently suicidal) will measure feasibility, usability, acceptability, and preliminary effects on self-efficacy to manage negative emotions. Findings will inform refinement and larger trials focused on suicide prevention in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults aged 50 or older living with HIV who have some current suicide risk but are not imminently suicidal, can read English or Spanish, and own a smartphone.
Not a fit: People who are imminently suicidal, have severe psychosis, severe substance use disorder, major cognitive impairment, or who lack a smartphone or ability to use English or Spanish are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could offer an easily accessible, scalable way for older people with HIV to learn DBT skills and reduce suicidal risk.
How similar studies have performed: DBT has proven effective at reducing suicidal behaviors in other populations, but DBT has not been tested specifically in older people living with HIV and AI chatbot delivery in this group is largely novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 50+ * evidence of suicide risk as defined by at least one of the following: PHQ-9 suicide item \> 0, Ask Suicide Questions (ASQ, an NIMH-supported suicide risk screener with a version tailored for primary care) \> 0, expression of suicidal thoughts to the provider during appointment, a suicide attempt in the past year, or PHQ-9 total score ≥ 8, * ability to read and communicate fluently in English or Spanish * not at imminent risk for suicide (does not have significant intent to die within 48 hours) * has a smartphone capable of texting and accessing the internet. Exclusion Criteria: * deemed clinically inappropriate to participate because of severe psychosis, severe substance use, or severe cognitive deficits that would interfere with their comprehending study and intervention material.
Where this trial is running
Newark, New Jersey and 1 other locations
- New Jersey Community Research Initiative — Newark, New Jersey, United States (Recruiting)
- RWJB Infectious Disease — Newark, New Jersey, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Elissa Kozlov, PhD — Rutgers
- Study coordinator: Jared Khan, MPH
- Email: khanjj@sph.rutgers.edu
- Phone: 2016672414
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.