Evaluating the effectiveness of family therapy for suicidal young adults
Targeting Suicidality in Young Adults: a Randomized, Controlled Pragmatic, Multicentre Trial Evaluating the (Cost)-Effectiveness of Attachment Based Family Therapy Compared to Treatment as Usual
This study is testing whether a special family therapy can help young adults aged 18 to 25 who are having suicidal thoughts feel better compared to standard treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 138 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Academisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA) Academic / other |
| Locations | 13 sites (Tongeren, Limburg and 12 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05965622 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to assess the (cost-)effectiveness of Attachment Based Family Therapy (ABFT) compared to Treatment As Usual (TAU) for young adults aged 18 to 25 who exhibit suicidal ideation. The study will involve a randomized controlled trial design, where participants will receive either ABFT alongside TAU or just TAU. The primary focus is on reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviors, while secondary objectives include evaluating cost-effectiveness, family functioning, and attachment improvements. The intervention will last approximately 16 weeks, with weekly sessions aimed at strengthening parent-child relationships.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are young adults aged 18 to 25 who score above 31 on the Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire Junior and have a participating primary caregiver.
Not a fit: Patients with severe substance use disorders, psychotic features, or significant cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce suicidal ideation and behaviors among young adults while improving family dynamics.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research on family-based treatments for suicidality in young adults, emerging evidence suggests that involving family members can enhance treatment outcomes.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 18 and 25. * A score above 31 on the SIQ-JR (the cut-off for suicidality). * Have at least one primary parent or caregiver that participates in the assessment and treatment. This could be a biological parent, stepparent, grandparent, other relative, or a foster parent. Exclusion Criteria: * Other DSM-5 disorders: substance dependency: severe alcohol or cannabis use disorder, all other substances: modest or severe substance use disorder. * Severe conduct disorder. * Evidence of psychotic features or prior psychosis (assessed with the SCID-5-S). * Severe cognitive impairment (e.g., mental retardation, severe developmental disorders) as evidenced by educational records, parental report and/or clinical impression. * Other circumstances that might affect participation (e.g., severe medical disorder, relocation).
Where this trial is running
Tongeren, Limburg and 12 other locations
- Prakijkt ConnectUs — Tongeren, Limburg, Belgium (Recruiting)
- UGent Centrum Kind en Adolescent — Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium (Not_yet_recruiting)
- UPC KU Leuven, campus Kortenberg — Kortenberg, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium (Recruiting)
- PraxisP — Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium (Not_yet_recruiting)
- STUVO Psychologen en Psychiaters — Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium (Recruiting)
- Praktijk Annemie Uyttersprot — Merchtem, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium (Recruiting)
- GGzE — Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands (Recruiting)
- GGZ Oost Brabant — Oss, North Brabant, Netherlands (Recruiting)
- Academisch Medisch Centrum — Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Arkin — Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands (Recruiting)
- Levvel — Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Kenter Jeugdhulp — Santpoort-Noord, North Holland, Netherlands (Recruiting)
- GGz Centraal — Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Claudi Bockting, professor — Academic Medical Center (AMC)
- Study coordinator: Claudi LH Bockting, Professor
- Email: c.l.bockting@amsterdamumc.nl
- Phone: +3120-8913600
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.