Program to Improve Positivity in At-Risk Youth
Skills to Enhance Positivity in Adolescents at Risk for Suicide
This study is testing a new program called STEP to see if it can help at-risk teens in psychiatric care feel more positive and reduce thoughts of suicide.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 216 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Brown University Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Boston, Massachusetts and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04994873 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study tests the effectiveness of a program called STEP aimed at reducing suicidal events and ideation in adolescents admitted to psychiatric care due to suicide risk. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the STEP program, which includes psychoeducation and mindfulness techniques, or to an enhanced treatment as usual (ETAU) group. The STEP program consists of four in-person sessions and ongoing mood monitoring through prompts sent via smartphone. The study will evaluate the impact of STEP on suicidal events, ideation, and depression over a 6- and 12-month follow-up period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 12-60 who have been hospitalized due to suicide risk and have a history of suicidal ideation or attempts.
Not a fit: Patients with active psychotic disorders or significant cognitive impairments may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce suicidal thoughts and attempts among at-risk adolescents.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using similar psychoeducational and mindfulness approaches to reduce suicidal ideation, suggesting this method may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Patients * Ages 12- 60 years * hospitalized on an inpatient psychiatric unit due to suicide risk * past month suicide attempts or suicidal ideation * proficient in English (parent either English or Spanish * access to a smart phone. Inclusion Criteria: Stakeholders Ages 22 - 60 years * work with adolescents hospitalized on an inpatient psychiatric unit due to suicide risk * proficient in English or Spanish Exclusion Criteria: * active psychotic disorder * significant cognitive impairment or deficits * ward of the State * discharge to residential facility.
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts and 2 other locations
- Children's Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
- Butler Hospital — Providence, Rhode Island, United States (Recruiting)
- Bradley Hospital — Riverside, Rhode Island, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Anthony Spirito, PhD
- Email: anthony_spirito@brown.edu
- Phone: 4013692435
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.