Shame-focused cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce suicide risk in hospitalized teens

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 is a single-site pilot randomized controlled trial at Peking University Sixth Hospital enrolling about 42 adolescents hospitalized for recent suicide attempt or severe suicidal ideation, randomized 2:1 to Shame-Focused CBT (SF-CBT) or supportive therapy. SF-CBT consists of seven 50–60 minute individual sessions targeting motivation, emotion recognition, shame-coping strategies, self-esteem, and relapse prevention, with three structured parent/guardian psychoeducation sessions; the comparison supportive therapy matches session dose. Primary outcomes are feasibility and acceptability (recruitment, retention, adherence, fidelity, adverse events, and user ratings), and secondary outcomes examine preliminary changes in shame, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behavior with follow-ups at 1, 3, and 6 months. The trial excludes patients with current mania, psychotic spectrum disorders, intellectual disability, very short expected stays, or other conditions that prevent participation.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adolescents aged 13-18 years, male or female.
* Recent suicide risk, defined as:

At least one suicide attempt in the past month, or Current suicidal ideation within the past month (with or without plan/intent) and at least one previous attempt.

* Elevated shame level (baseline score ≥ 9 on the External and Internal Shame Scale, EISS).
* Adequate cognitive capacity to participate in interviews and assessments.
* Parent/legal guardian (or designated responsible adult authorized by guardian) provides informed consent and agrees to participate.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current manic episode.
* History of schizophrenia spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, or organic brain disease.
* Severe psychiatric or medical conditions that impair capacity for consent or participation.
* Expected to receive electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) during hospitalization.
* Anticipated inpatient stay shorter than 14 days (to ensure intervention completion).

Where it's running

• Peking University Sixth Hospital
  Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Wanyan Hu, PhD Candidate
• Email: 2301110717@stu.pku.edu.cn
• Phone: 86 13071171218

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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.