Examining suicide risk and resilience in older adults after losing a spouse

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 (+ 4 weeks)
2. \> or = to 60 years old
3. Current major depressive episode (w/o psychotic features) as established by the MINI diagnostic interview. A) Subsyndromal or syndromal depression (\> 9 HDRS) B) Current major depressive episode (w/o psychotic features) as established by the MINI diagnostic interview. C) History of depression severe enough to trigger treatment (e.g., antidepressant, counselling). D) Verified history of unipolar or bipolar major depressive disorder (MDD)\*,

   \*Please note, we will include those with a life-time history of Manic or Hypomanic episode as established by the MINI diagnostic interview), if they are currently in a depressive episode.

   Even if there is no indication of depression (see A-D above), we include those who have A) history of suicide attempt
4. or currently have significant suicidal ideation (Scale of Suicidal Ideation score \>4)
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 (+ 4 weeks) from spousal/partner bereavement
2. \< 60 years old
3. Patient is not spousal/partner bereaved (ex: parent, sibling, etc.)
4. Diagnosis of schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorders
5. Current and/or lifetime history of psychosis (or medications listed indicate diagnosis of these disorders)
6. Current Manic or Hypomanic Episode (note past history of Manic or Hypomanic episodes are not exclusion)
7. Major cognitive impairment: TICS score of \<27
8. Current shift worker
9. Resides in a nursing home
10. Unstable medical condition (e.g., unstable angina, end stage renal disease)
11. Resides outside of PA, WV or OH

Where it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.