Mobile app to help individuals with suicidal thoughts and alcohol misuse
Drivers of Suicide Mobile App Study
This study is testing a mobile app called WisePath to see if it can help adults with suicidal thoughts and alcohol problems feel better over 12 weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 22 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Evidence-Based Practice Institute, Seattle, WA Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 1 site (Seattle, Washington) |
| Trial ID | NCT05427734 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to evaluate the WisePath mobile app, designed to provide evidence-based practices for individuals struggling with suicidal ideation and alcohol misuse. The study will involve a 12-week randomized controlled trial with 120 adults aged 22 and older, comparing the WisePath app to an active control condition that includes a suicide prevention self-help app and wellness resources. Participants will receive support while waiting for care, during treatment, and after returning home, with the app offering psychoeducation, behavioral skills training, and crisis stabilization planning. The goal is to assess the effectiveness of this innovative digital tool in reducing suicidality and alcohol misuse.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 22 and older who are experiencing suicidal ideation and may also misuse alcohol.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have access to a smartphone or are not English speaking may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this app could significantly reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors in individuals struggling with alcohol misuse.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with digital interventions for mental health, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Resides in the United States * 22+ years of age * English speaking * At risk for suicide, as evidenced by at least one of the following: * One or more lifetime suicide attempts (ASQ item 4) * Endorsement of any ASQ items 1 -3 (expanded from "past few weeks" in ASQ to "past 30 days" in our measures) * Item 1: In the past 30 days, have you wished you were dead? * Item 2: In the past 30 days, have you felt that you or your family would be better off if you were dead? * Item 3: In the 30 days, have you been having thoughts about killing yourself? * Currently has a primary care provider and sought care from them in the past year * Possesses and is the primary user of an Android- or iPhone-based smartphone with a data plan Given that alcohol misuse exponentially increases the risk of death by suicide, can exacerbate other problems, and interfere with effective treatment, we will over-recruit individuals who misuse alcohol to ensure relevance of the tool for them. No fewer than 35% of the sample will be comprised of individuals who score 8 or more on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), indicating a harmful or hazardous level of drinking. To ensure a sufficient sample of individuals who misuse alcohol, no fewer than 35% of the sample will be comprised of individuals who score 8 or more on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), indicating a harmful or hazardous level of drinking. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe depression (PHQ-9 score of 20 or greater) * Alcohol dependence (AUDIT score of 32 or greater) * Acutely suicidal (affirms item 5 of the Ask Suicide Screening Questions; Are you having thoughts of killing yourself right now? Followed by endorsing intent; Have you intended to act on urges to kill yourself in the past 30 days? or planning within the past 30 days; Have you made a plan to kill yourself in the past 30 days?) * Significant drug abuse problems (scores 6 or greater on the DAST-10) Individuals who are excluded because of the severity of their depression, suicide acuity, and/or degree of substance use disorder will be provided with resources (i.e., the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988), SAMHSA's National Helpline) and encouraged to reach out to their primary care or mental/behavioral health provider.
Where this trial is running
Seattle, Washington
- Evidence-Based Practice Institute, Inc. — Seattle, Washington, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Linda A. Dimeff, PhD — Chief Executive Officer
- Study coordinator: Allison Ruork, PhD
- Email: clinicaltrials@ebpi.org
- Phone: 206-455-7934
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.