NCT06322199

Differences Between Suicide Attempters and Suicide Ideators. Influence of the Brief Therapy Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP) on Neuropsychological Correlates and Psychological Process Factors - Project 3

Differences Between Suicide Attempters and Suicide Ideators. Influence of the Brief Therapy ASSIP on Neuropsychological Correlates and Psychological Process Factors (NePsyASSIP HT) - Project 3

• Status: Active Not Recruiting
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 119 (actual)
• Sponsor: University of Bern · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The present study consists of 3 projects in total. It aims to investigate the (neuro-) psychological patterns from suicidal ideation to suicidal behavior as well as the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of ASSIP flex. The overall aim of Project 3 is to evaluate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of ASSIP flex over a 12-month follow-up period in terms of suicide reattempts and suicide correlates in a cohort who is attending ASSIP flex after a suicide attempt.

Detailed description

Purpose and aims: In project 3, the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of ASSIP flex setting over a 12-month follow-up period will be investigated. To investigate that, the present study examines the newly implemented ASSIP flex service developed and implemented at the University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Bern (Switzerland). Background: In Switzerland, approximately three people die by suicide every day, and suicide attempts exceed this number by far. As a previous suicide attempt is one of the strongest predictors of a completed suicide, it is of utmost importance to identify the people at risk. However, research has shown that traditional risk factors (e.g., depression, psychiatric disorder, etc.) reliably predict suicide ideation but poorly predict suicidal behavior. Furthermore, while effective suicide-specific interventions exist, up to 50% of the suicide attempters reject the recommended treatment, and around 60% discontinue treatment after one session. Hence, a different approach is required. In this study, three projects will be conducted. Project 3 evaluates the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of ASSIP flex. Study design of Project 3: The present study examines longitudinally and observationally the newly implemented ASSIP flex at the University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Bern (Switzerland) and four additional recruitment centers. Patients after a suicide attempt who are immobile and/or not able to participate in the regular ASSIP due to other reasons (e.g., shame or fear of stigmatization) are asked to participate in the ASSIP flex project. Moreover, the ASSIP flex will be implemented and investigated in four additional recruitment centers in Switzerland: 1) Sanatorium Kilchberg in Zurich; 2) Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich (PUKZH); 3) Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV); 4) Center Neuchâtelois de Psychiatrie (CNP). All ASSIP flex patients who have agreed to participate in Project 3 (ASSIP flex) are asked to complete a baseline assessment (filling out questionnaires) before the first ASSIP flex session. This baseline assessment is conducted in the patient's environment (i.e., where the ASSIP flex sessions are carried out). After the baseline assessment, the participants receive ASSIP flex in their personal environment, and after each ASSIP Flex session, process measurements (therapeutic alliance) are completed. Moreover, repeated measurements are conducted after four-six weeks and 12 months follow-up to assess long-term effects. In project 3 of this study, no randomization took place, and all participants in this group received ASSIP flex. To investigate the feasibility and effects of ASSIP flex, therapists will also be asked to complete some questionnaires. After the last flex session of each case, they are asked to fill out a brief questionnaire to rate their experiences with this ASSIP flex case. Finally, therapists are asked one year and two years after their ASSIP training to fill out a short questionnaire about their experiences with the ASSIP flex.

Conditions

• Suicide, Attempted
• Suicidal Ideation
• Feasibility
• Cost-effectiveness
• Process Factors

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	ASSIP (Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program) flex	ASSIP is a specific therapy for patients after a suicide attempt. The brief therapy ASSIP consists of 3-4 sessions of approximately 50 min. each. ASSIP flex delivers ASSIP in the patient's personal environment as an outreach home treatment. The structure of the ASSIP is the same as in the regular ASSIP, but the program is delivered in the patient's environment. Session 1: A narrative interview is conducted, in which the patient is asked to tell her personal story, which led to the suicidal crisis. The narrative is video-recorded. Session 2: Using video playback of the recorded narrative, patient and therapist explore further details of the suicidal process. Session 3: A case conceptualization focusing on the patient's vulnerability and the trigger of the suicidal crisis is formulated in writing. A list of safety strategies for the prevention of future suicidal behavior is developed jointly with the patient. Regular letters are sent to patients over a period of 2 years.

Timeline

• Start date: 2022-09-23
• Primary completion: 2026-12-31
• Completion: 2026-12-31
• First posted: 2024-03-20
• Last updated: 2026-01-23

Locations

4 sites across 1 country: Switzerland