Web-based intervention for reducing suicidal thoughts in veterans
Effects of a Targeted Web-Based Suicide Prevention Intervention on Suicidal Ideation and Self-Directed Violence: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Veterans
This study tests a web-based program that helps veterans learn skills to manage suicidal thoughts and see if it works better than regular healthcare visits.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (New Orleans, Louisiana) |
| Trial ID | NCT05884476 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to evaluate a web-based intervention designed to help veterans cope with suicidal thoughts by teaching them adaptive skills to manage emotional distress. The intervention lasts approximately 40 minutes and will be compared to standard healthcare visits to assess its effectiveness in reducing suicidal ideation and behaviors. The study will measure changes in suicidal thoughts and behaviors over the course of one month, focusing on the unique needs of veterans who experience these challenges. By directly addressing psychological inflexibility, the intervention seeks to provide a more accessible and effective approach to suicide prevention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are veterans aged 18 and older who have experienced suicidal thoughts in the past two weeks.
Not a fit: Patients with active psychosis, unmedicated bipolar disorder, or those requiring inpatient detoxification for substance use disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors among veterans, improving their overall mental health and well-being.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been few existing interventions targeting psychological inflexibility in suicidality, this approach is relatively novel and aims to expand access to effective suicide prevention strategies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
* Veteran
* 18 years or older
* Past two-week suicidal ideation as indicated by positive reply to C-SSRS questions ("Have you had any actual thoughts of killing yourself," or, "Have you been thinking about how you might do this?")
Exclusion Criteria:
* Active psychosis
* Unmedicated bipolar disorder
* Instances in which a substance use disorder would indicate inpatient detoxification prior to engaging in other outpatient mental health interventions
Where this trial is running
New Orleans, Louisiana
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA — New Orleans, Louisiana, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joseph W Boffa, PhD — Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA
- Study coordinator: Joseph W Boffa, PhD
- Email: joseph.boffa@va.gov
- Phone: (504) 507-2000
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.