SUICIDE

This study tests an updated version of the BRITE app, called ViraBrite, which sends suicide safety planning materials and coping skills to teens when they are feeling high emotional distress. Twenty teens who have recently attempted suicide or had suicidal thoughts with a plan wi…

This study tests whether a noninvasive brain stimulation technique called iTBS-TMS can reduce suicide risk in adults with major depression or borderline personality disorder who are experiencing suicidal thoughts. Participants receive either real or sham (placebo) stimulation to …

This study tests whether combining a mild brain stimulation technique called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with computer-based cognitive training can help veterans who are at high risk for suicide. The goal is to improve decision-making and impulse control, which…

This study tests whether allowing people with borderline personality disorder and a history of self-harm to admit themselves for up to three nights (three times per month) reduces the use of compulsory (forced) psychiatric care. Researchers will compare clinics that implement thi…

This study tested a new therapy called TR&ST that involves both a veteran at risk for suicide and their romantic partner. The goal was to see if working together as a couple could reduce suicidal thoughts more than standard VA care. The study included 104 veterans and their partn…

This study tested different combinations of three programs—New Hope (coping skills), Elders Resilience (cultural strength), and Case Management—to see which best reduces suicidal thoughts and builds resilience in American Indian youth ages 10-29. The 304 participants were identif…

This study tested a Safety Planning Intervention (SPI) for 800 pretrial jail detainees at risk for suicide. Participants were randomly assigned to standard care or SPI, which involves creating a personalized list of coping strategies and supports during jail, plus follow-up calls…

This study tested a group program called Project Life Force (PLF) against standard individual suicide safety planning for 294 veterans at high risk for suicide. PLF is a 10-session group that teaches coping skills and emotional regulation to strengthen safety plans. Researchers t…

This completed study tested a new approach to reduce suicide behavior in high-risk veterans by combining transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with brief cognitive behavioral therapy (BCBT). Fifty-five veterans who had recently attempted suicide or had strong suicidal thoughts …

This study tested whether an electronic self-report screening system (eScreening) helps VA clinics detect depression, PTSD, alcohol problems, and suicide risk more quickly and more often in newly enrolled post-9/11 veterans. Researchers compared screening rates and referral times…

This study tests a behavioral intervention called MI-Safety Plan, which helps teens create a personalized plan for suicidal crises and boosts their motivation to use it. The goal is to prevent suicide attempts and self-harm after a teen leaves the hospital. 300 teens who recently…

This study tested a program called Family Safety Net in rural Alaska. It aimed to help families store firearms safely to prevent suicide and accidental injuries. 58 adults who lived with guns took part. Some received a counseling session, others a scripted talk, and all got free …

This study tested a program called Wakȟáŋyeža (Little Holy One) with 124 Native American caregivers and their 2-to-5-year-old children on a Northern Plains reservation. The goal was to reduce trauma and stress in parents, improve parenting skills, and boost children's emotional a…

This study tested a household safety intervention for veterans with elevated suicide risk. The program involved discussions about safely storing firearms and medications, plus providing free safety devices. Researchers enrolled 40 veterans from VA healthcare settings to see if th…

This pilot study explores whether real-time fMRI neurofeedback can help veterans reduce suicide-specific rumination—the repetitive mental fixation on suicidal thoughts. Sixteen veterans will receive two brain-training sessions, learning to modulate activity in brain regions linke…

This study looks at whether a special follow-up program, including group sessions and phone calls, can help people after a suicidal crisis. About 100 adults who come to a crisis stabilization center will take part. The goal is to see if the program helps them feel less like a bur…

This study tested a smartphone app called MAPS designed to help people who have suicidal thoughts. The app includes a safety plan, mood check-ins, and direct contact with a clinician. Researchers wanted to see if people would use it and find it helpful. Thirty-one adults with rec…

This study is testing a virtual reality (VR) program called PrESR for teens ages 13-18 who are hospitalized for suicidal thoughts or behaviors. The VR program lets them practice coping skills in simulated school and social situations with a therapist's guidance. The study will ch…

This study tested a Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills training program for older adults (age 50+) who care for a family member with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. The goal was to reduce suicidal thoughts and feelings. Nine caregivers participated, and the program foc…

This study tested a behavioral therapy called BE-SMART-DR in 65 teens and young adults with bipolar disorder or major depression who had suicidal thoughts or past attempts. The therapy teaches self-directed strategies to regularize sleep and other daily rhythms to reduce short-te…

This study tested a website called eYST, designed to provide social support for teenagers at risk for suicide. Researchers wanted to see if the website was easy to use and helpful for 75 teens and their chosen support adults. The study focused on gathering feedback and measuring …

This study tested whether trained peer specialists—Veterans who have faced similar challenges—could help other Veterans at high risk for suicide. Over three months, 17 Veterans received one-on-one support focused on building hope, connection, and a sense of purpose. Researchers m…

This study tested a workshop called STEP-Home for 221 post-9/11 Veterans who had trouble reintegrating into civilian life. The workshop taught skills like emotional control, problem solving, and attention to improve daily function and reduce anger. It was designed as a non-stigma…

This study tested a smartphone app that sends automated reminders to use personalized coping strategies for adults hospitalized with suicidal thoughts. Participants answered surveys up to six times daily, and when they reported high distress, some received prompts to use their sa…

This study tested a 12-week class called 'Living with Hope' for people who recently attempted suicide. The class teaches coping skills based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Researchers wanted to see if it could lower suicidal thoughts, hopelessness, and depression. The stu…

This study tested a Safety Plan Intervention (SPI) for adults who came to the emergency department after a suicide attempt or with severe suicidal thoughts. The SPI is a 6-step counseling session that helps people recognize personal warning signs, find distractions, and list supp…

This study tested a smartphone app called MAPS designed to help people who have had suicidal thoughts or behaviors. The app includes a safety plan, daily mood check-ins, and direct contact with a clinician. Ten adults who recently experienced suicidal thoughts used the app to see…

This study looks at whether a special support program, called CLASP, can help prevent suicide and related behaviors in veterans who are at high risk after leaving the hospital. About 850 veterans will be randomly assigned to either usual care or usual care plus the CLASP program,…

This study tested whether short video messages could encourage veterans who recently left the military and are thinking about suicide to seek mental health treatment. 355 veterans who were not currently in therapy watched four brief videos on a smartphone app. Researchers then ch…

This pilot study tested a training called Crisis Ready for people in a Baltimore diversion program. The training teaches how to use a crisis hotline and how to give naloxone to reverse an overdose. Researchers wanted to see if participants found the training likable and useful. O…

This study used brain scans (fMRI) to look at how people process emotions and make decisions, comparing those who have attempted suicide, those with past suicidal thoughts, depressed patients without suicidal history, and healthy controls. The goal was to find brain activity patt…

This completed trial tested an online tool called 'Safety in Dementia' that guides caregivers through decisions about firearm access for a person with dementia. 500 informal caregivers across the U.S. participated. The tool helps clarify options, risks, and personal values, aimin…

This study tested whether a one-hour crisis response planning session can reduce suicide risk more than standard care. 191 adults with current suicidal thoughts were randomly assigned to either the crisis plan or usual risk management. Researchers used brain scans and surveys to …

This study looked at how often to check in with people after they leave a psychiatric hospital to help lower their suicide risk. About 500 patients in Shenzhen, China, received brief contact interventions (like texts or calls) at different frequencies over a year. The goal was to…

This study tested a mobile app called WisePath designed to help adults who are thinking about suicide and may also misuse alcohol. Over 12 weeks, 127 participants either used the WisePath app or received standard self-help resources. Researchers measured changes in suicidal thoug…

This study tested an online training course for healthcare providers like doctors and therapists. The goal was to see if the course helped them feel more confident in supporting men who are thinking about suicide. 119 providers completed the training and gave feedback through sur…

This study tested an AI tool called LyssnCrisis that helps train crisis counselors who answer calls to the 988 suicide hotline. The tool analyzes voice recordings to give feedback on skills like empathy and asking about suicide risk. 81 counselors took part, and the goal was to s…

This study tested a special type of talk therapy (Cognitive Behavioral Suicide Prevention for psychosis) to see if it could help adults with schizophrenia who have had recent suicidal thoughts or behaviors. About 51 people took part, and the therapy was compared to usual care. Th…

This pilot study tested a suicide prevention package (SuPP) for women in rural Pakistan who are at risk. The package includes a safety plan and follow-up visits from trained peers. Researchers wanted to see if it was feasible and acceptable to use within existing mental health pr…

This completed study looked for biological markers of suicide risk in 97 adults with major depressive disorder. Researchers used brain scans to measure how participants respond to pain, reward, and attention. The goal was to find stable brain-based signs that could help identify …

This study tested whether training staff in residential facilities can help prevent suicide and improve mental health for youth in the legal system. About 1000 youth and staff took part. Researchers compared facilities that received the special training to those that did not, mea…

This study tested whether a simple thinking and memory test (called MoCA) can detect cognitive problems in people hospitalized for a suicidal crisis. Researchers enrolled 140 adults who were either having strong suicidal thoughts or had recently attempted suicide. The goal was to…

This study looked at 488 adults with alcohol use disorder who had suicidal thoughts or attempts. Researchers wanted to understand why some people call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline during a crisis and others don't. They also tested if a therapy session about the hotlin…

This study tested a new virtual reality program designed to help teenagers who were hospitalized for suicidal thoughts practice skills for returning to school. The program, called PrESR, lets teens experience realistic school scenarios with a therapist's guidance while still in t…