Mobile intervention for preventing suicide in older adults
WellPATH-PREVENT: A Mobile Intervention for Middle-Aged and Older Adults Hospitalized for Suicidal Ideation or Attempt
This study tests a mobile program that helps older adults who have recently been hospitalized for suicidal thoughts or attempts learn to manage their emotions better and reduce their risk of suicide.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 115 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Weill Medical College of Cornell University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (New York, New York and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05183230 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of WellPATH-PREVENT, a mobile psychosocial intervention designed to enhance cognitive reappraisal abilities and reduce suicide risk among middle-aged and older adults who have recently been hospitalized for suicidal ideation or attempts. The intervention will be administered over 12 weeks, with participants receiving training on using a tablet to track triggers and emotions while being coached by interventionists. The study includes multiple assessments at key points, including hospital discharge and follow-ups at 6 and 12 weeks, to monitor progress and outcomes. An EEG will also be conducted to gather additional data on emotional regulation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 50-90 who have been hospitalized for suicidal ideation or attempts and meet specific DSM-5 diagnostic criteria.
Not a fit: Patients with current psychotic disorders, dementia, or significant cognitive impairment may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce suicide risk and improve emotional regulation in vulnerable older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using mobile interventions for mental health, but this specific approach is novel and untested in this population.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 50-90 years old * Diagnosis (based on a modified SCID-5 Clinical Trials Version to assess DSM-5 diagnoses): Any DSM-5 except: current diagnosis of Psychotic Disorder; diagnosis of Dementia * Recent hospitalization for suicidal ideation or suicide attempt; at hospital admission, Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSR-S) ≥ 2, "Non-specific Active Suicidal Thoughts." * We will also include patients on psychotropics and on after-care community psychotherapy. Exclusion Criteria: * Current diagnosis of Psychotic Disorders; Diagnosis of Dementia * Cognitive Impairment (MMSE ≤ 24) * Acute or severe medical illness (i.e., delirium; decompensated cardiac, liver or kidney failure; major surgery; stroke or myocardial infarction during the three months prior to entry * Aphasia, sensory problems, and/or inability to speak English.
Where this trial is running
New York, New York and 1 other locations
- New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medicine — New York, New York, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Weill Cornell Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine — White Plains, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dimitris Kiosses, PhD — Weill Medical College of Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Dimitris Kiosses, PhD
- Email: dkiosses@med.cornell.edu
- Phone: 914-997-4381
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.