Reducing suicide risk in people with psychosis by targeting emotion regulation

Targeting Emotion Dysregulation to Reduce Suicide in People With Psychosis

Not applicable Interventional University of Maryland, Baltimore · NCT05440214

This study is testing a new therapy aimed at helping people with psychosis manage their emotions better to reduce their risk of suicide.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment68 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore Academic / other
Locations1 site (Baltimore, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT05440214 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to address the high rates of suicide among individuals with psychotic disorders by implementing an intervention focused on emotion dysregulation. The intervention involves Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training, which will be evaluated using advanced statistical methods and Ecological Momentary Assessment. By targeting the emotional factors that contribute to suicidal behavior, the study seeks to provide a more effective approach to suicide prevention in this high-risk population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with a psychosis spectrum disorder and exhibiting heightened suicide risk.

Not a fit: Patients with intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, or deafness may not benefit from this study due to exclusion criteria.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce suicide rates among individuals with psychotic disorders.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically targeting emotion dysregulation in this population, similar approaches in other mental health contexts have shown promise.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* At least 18 years old
* Psychosis spectrum disorder as assessed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) for Psychotic Disorder Studies
* Heightened suicide risk as determined by a score of 8+ on the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R). This cutoff may be revised downwards (toward lower suicide risk) if recruitment appears difficult, but will not be revised upwards.
* Enrollment and engagement in outpatient mental health services with at least one mental health service in the previous month
* 6+ grade equivalent reading level as assessed by the Wide Range Achievement Test 4 (WRAT-4)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Chart diagnosis of intellectual disability (DSM5 317, 318), traumatic brain injury, or deafness.

Where this trial is running

Baltimore, Maryland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions PsychosisSuicide
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.