Phone alerts may curb suicidal urges in real time

NCT ID NCT05848089

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether teaching people three simple skills to manage negative emotions, plus getting smartphone reminders to practice them, could reduce suicidal thoughts and emotional distress. 41 adults who had recently attempted suicide or had current suicidal thoughts took part. The goal was to see if these real-time prompts help lower the intensity of suicidal urges.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: cognitive behavioral therapy skills training plus smartphone prompts
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a practical, low-cost way to help people manage suicidal thoughts in real time using their own phone.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed early-stage study with only 41 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The intervention relies on participants engaging with their phone, which may not work for all.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Suicidal Ideation Suicide Suicide, Attempted

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SUICIDAL IDEATION SUICIDE ATTEMPT

Contacts and locations

Locations

Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02130, United States

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