Comparing Dynamic Deconstructive Psychotherapy and Brief Intervention for suicidal youth
Dynamic Deconstructive Psychotherapy Versus Brief Intervention and Contact for Suicidal Adolescents and Young Adults
This study is testing whether a type of therapy called Dynamic Deconstructive Psychotherapy can better help young people with suicidal thoughts compared to a shorter intervention program.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 106 (estimated) |
| Ages | 14 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | State University of New York - Upstate Medical University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Syracuse, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT05988489 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Dynamic Deconstructive Psychotherapy (DDP) compared to Brief Intervention and Contact (BIC) in reducing suicidal thoughts among adolescents and young adults. Participants aged 14 to 40 will be randomly assigned to either DDP or BIC, both of which include safety planning and optional medication management. The trial will take place at SUNY Upstate Medical University's Psychiatry High Risk Program, with each participant expected to engage in treatment for up to one year. The study will assess changes in suicidal ideation using a combined measure after six months of treatment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents and young adults aged 14 to 40 who experience suicidal ideation and are willing to participate in outpatient treatment.
Not a fit: Patients with a clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or autism spectrum disorder are unlikely to benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective therapeutic approach to reducing suicidal thoughts in adolescents and young adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that both DDP and BIC are more effective than usual care in reducing suicidality, indicating a promising approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * CSSRS suicide ideation of ≥ 2 and PHQ-9 item 9 of ≥ 1 * Ages 14 through 40 years old of both genders * Fluency in English * Willingness to enter outpatient treatment as evidenced by psychiatric consultation at the PHRP and attending a first session with their intake therapist * Willingness to be video-recorded * Completion of baseline outcomes measures Exclusion Criteria: * Previous or current clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or autism spectrum disorder as ascertained by self-report on the PHRP intake packet, or on their electronic medical records, or by psychiatric evaluation at the PHRP * BMI \< 18 for adults ≥ 18 years old, and BMI \< 17 for adolescents * Concurrent use of weekly ECT, ketamine, or esketamine * IQ \< 80 on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test * Current or previous treatment with Dynamic Deconstructive Psychotherapy
Where this trial is running
Syracuse, New York
- SUNY Upstate Medical University, Psychiatry High Risk Program (PHRP) — Syracuse, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Robert J Gregory, MD — State University of New York - Upstate Medical University
- Study coordinator: Jessica P Helfrich, BA
- Email: helfricj@upstate.edu
- Phone: 315-464-3951
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.