Can better sleep help prevent teen suicide? new trial tests combo therapy

NCT ID NCT05842863

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tests whether adding a digital insomnia treatment (CBT-I) to standard suicide-focused therapy (DBT) helps reduce suicidal thoughts and self-harm in teens aged 12-18 who are at high risk for suicide. Forty-four participants will be randomly assigned to receive either DBT alone or DBT plus CBT-I for six months, with regular assessments of suicidal ideation, self-harm, and sleep. The goal is to see if improving sleep can boost the effectiveness of suicide prevention therapy.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a more effective way to reduce suicide risk in teens by also treating their sleep problems.

What could go wrong

This is a very small pilot study (44 teens) testing feasibility, not a proven treatment. The added sleep therapy may not provide extra benefit over DBT alone.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

insomnia Self-Injurious Behavior Suicide

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Michele Berk

    RECRUITING

    Stanford, California, 94305, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••