Mobile Intervention for Suicidal Thoughts

VA Office of Research and Development

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Suicide

Treatments: Behavioral: MIST Intervention; Behavioral: Treatment as usual; Behavioral: Safety planning

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other U.S. Federal agency

Identifiers

NCT06593379

D5137-P

Details and patient eligibility

About

One of the factors that contributes to suicide risk is what is known as a "suicidal belief system." This belief system is made up of several cognitions that been associated with suicide risk among military personnel. Modification of these cognitions may reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The study team has developed a brief mobile intervention entitled the Mobile Intervention for Suicidal Thoughts (MIST) that uses evidence-based interpretation bias modification techniques to reduce these suicide cognitions. The goal of this project is to is to conduct a pilot trial of the MIST intervention to evaluate whether it is feasible an acceptable as an adjunct treatment for Veterans with suicidal ideation.

Full description

One of the factors that contributes to suicide risk is what is known as a "suicidal belief system." This belief system is made up of several cognitions, including hopelessness, thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, unlovability, unbearability, and unsolvability. These cognitions have all been associated with suicide risk among military personnel. Modification of these cognitions may reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The study team has developed a brief mobile intervention entitled the Mobile Intervention for Suicidal Thoughts (MIST) that uses evidence-based interpretation bias modification techniques to reduce these suicide cognitions. The goal of this project is to is to conduct a pilot trial of the MIST intervention to evaluate whether it is feasible an acceptable as an adjunct treatment for Veterans with suicidal ideation.

The investigators will conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT), in which 50 Veterans with suicidal ideation will be randomized to either MIST plus Treatment as Usual and Safety Planning versus Treatment as Usual and Safety Planning. The central hypothesis is that Veterans will find MIST acceptable and will be willing to use it to reduce their suicidal thoughts.

Enrollment: 50 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Veterans using the Durham VA Health Care System
• Endorsing suicidal ideation without intent in the last 30 days, established via C-SSRS
• Meet at least every 4 months with a mental health provider, established via chart review chart
• Can read at least 6th grade level material, established by their demonstrated ability to read the consent form and answer basic questions about it

Exclusion criteria

• Currently in a period of active psychosis or mania, established via the SCID-5
• Currently meeting criteria for a moderate or severe alcohol or substance use disorder, established via the SCID-5
• Endorsing suicidal intent, established via C-SSRS
• Exhibit current prominent suicidal or homicidal ideation requiring immediate intervention
• Have used the MIST intervention before as part of another research study

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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50 participants in 2 patient groups

Safety planning, treatment as usual, and MIST

Experimental group

Description:

Participants will get a safety plan, treatment as usual, and the MIST intervention.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Treatment as usual

Behavioral: Safety planning

Behavioral: MIST Intervention

Safety planning and treatment as usual

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants will get a safety plan and treatment as usual.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Treatment as usual

Behavioral: Safety planning