Examining suicide risk and resilience in older adults after losing a spouse
Risk and Resilience to Late-life Suicidal Ideation and Behavior After Spousal Bereavement: Targeting Social Connectedness to Strengthen Circadian Rhythmicity
This study is trying to see how sleep and social activities affect mood and thoughts about suicide in older adults who have recently lost a spouse, while also testing a program to help them take care of themselves and create stable daily routines.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 169 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06191484 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how sleep patterns and social activities affect mood and suicidal thoughts in older adults who have recently lost a spouse or life partner. It aims to understand the relationship between social connectedness and suicide risk, as well as how instability in daily routines may contribute to these risks. The study will enroll 169 participants aged 60 and older, who will undergo assessments of their social connections, mental health, and daily activity patterns. Additionally, a behavioral intervention will be implemented to encourage self-care and stabilize daily routines over a three-month period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 65 and above who have lost a spouse or life partner within the last 12 months and are at high risk for suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Not a fit: Patients who are not recently bereaved or those with severe mental health disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into effective interventions that reduce suicide risk among bereaved older adults.
How similar studies have performed: While studies on bereavement and mental health exist, this specific approach focusing on circadian rhythms and social connectedness in older adults is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Older adults who recently lost their spouse or life partner and are high risk for suicidal thoughts and/or behavior. Inclusion Criteria: 1. Bereaved \< or = to 12 months from spousal/partner loss 2. \> or = to 65 years old 3. Verified history of suicide attempt/attempts and/or current or past history of Major Depressive Disorder/Major Depressive Episode (MDD/MDE) (without psychotic features), or history of depression severe enough to trigger treatment, or current subsyndromal depression (\> or = to 9 HDRS) 4. No diagnosis of schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorders/bipolar/current psychosis 5. Does not reside in nursing home 6. Not a current shift worker 7. No major cognitive impairment: TICS score of \> or = to 27 Exclusion Criteria: 1. Bereaved \>12 months from spousal/partner bereavement 2. \< 65 years old 3. Patient is not spousal/partner bereaved (ex: parent, sibling, etc.) 4. Prior diagnosis of schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorders/bipolar/current psychosis or medications listed indicate diagnosis of these disorders/MDD or MDE with psychotic features 5. Major cognitive impairment: TICS score of \<27 6. Current shift worker 7. Resides in a nursing home 8. Unstable medical condition (e.g., unstable angina, end stage renal disease)
Where this trial is running
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh (UPMC) — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sarah Stahl, PhD — University of Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Emilee Croswell, BA
- Email: croswellej@upmc.edu
- Phone: 4124408418
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.