New combo therapy shows promise in reducing veteran suicides

NCT ID NCT03952468

Completed Disease control Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

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 took part. The goal was to see if this combination could lower suicide attempts and related behaviors more than existing treatments.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (BCBT)
What this could lead to: If successful, this combination therapy could offer a new, practical treatment to reduce suicide behavior in high-risk veterans.
What could go wrong: This was a small, early-stage study with only 55 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The effects need confirmation in larger trials.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Suicide Suicide Prevention

As listed by the trial registrant

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

SUICIDE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI

Providence, Rhode Island, 02908-4734, United States

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