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Tracking suicide attempts and suicidal thoughts in Flanders

The Epidemiology of Suicide Attempts and Suicidal Thoughts in Flanders

University Hospital, Ghent · NCT07021404

This project collects detailed information about people in Flanders who have suicidal thoughts or who have survived suicide attempts to see how often these events happen, which methods are used, and whether they get follow-up care.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50000 (estimated)
Ages12 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Ghent (other)
Locations33 sites (Aalst and 32 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07021404 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational project registers the frequency and characteristics of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among individuals presenting to emergency departments, psychiatric hospitals, mobile crisis teams, and general practitioners at participating centers in Flanders. Clinical staff conduct a semi-structured interview using the Guideline for Suicide Care and Evaluation (LOES) to record sociodemographic details, mental state, history of self-harm, method of attempt, and immediate care needs. The LOES basic assessment is done shortly after presentation to document cognition, observable behavior, psychiatric concerns, social support, hopelessness, and willingness to engage in follow-up. Data are compiled to map suicidal behaviors regionally and to identify gaps in aftercare and prevention pathways across sites.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal participants are people who present alive to participating healthcare services in Flanders after a suicide attempt or with current suicidal thoughts.

Not a fit: People with accidental overdoses or intoxication without suicidal intent, individuals who died before arrival, and those treated outside the participating hospitals or region are not eligible and will not benefit from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, findings could help improve how emergency and mental health services identify people at risk and provide timely follow-up care in Flanders.

How similar studies have performed: Similar regional surveillance and registry efforts have previously provided valuable information for prevention and care planning, so the approach is established rather than novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* Everyone who is admitted alive to the emergency department after a suicide attempt is included. All methods used during the suicide attempt are included. Regarding the method of suicide attempts, a distinction is made between self-injury (hanging, strangulation, drowning, stab and cut wounds, jumping from a height, etc.) and self-poisoning (ingestion of (psycho)pharmaceuticals, drugs, alcohol, chemicals, or other harmful substances).
* Everyone who is admitted with suicidal thoughts

Exclusion Criteria:

* Accidental overdose, e.g., someone taking medication for a medical condition without any intent to harm themselves
* Alcohol intoxication without any intent to harm oneself
* Accidental overdose involving party drugs
* Individuals who were deceased upon arrival at the hospital due to suicide

Where this trial is running

Aalst and 32 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Suicidal Ideation, Suicide Attempt, Multicenter Study, Epidemiological Study, Suicidal Behavior

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.