Suchergebnisse

Although there is a large and increasing literature on biological, psychological, and social characteristics of suicidal behavior, there is a relative lack of information dealing specifically with how to treat suicidal adolescents and young adults. A 10-session cognitive intervention for older adolescents and young adults who have attempted suicide is described in detail. A novel element of the therapy is that the treatment can be applied to individuals exhibiting suicidal behavior, regardless of psychiatric diagnosis. Information is provided about how to structure therapy sessions and how therapy progresses through the early, middle, and later stages. New, specific strategies are offered for helping suicidal individuals learn to cope more adaptively with crises and distress.

Background: High attrition rates in longitudinal research can limit study generalizability, threaten internal validity, and decrease statistical power. Research has demonstrated that there can be significant differences between participants who complete a research study and those who drop out prematurely, and that treatment outcomes may be dependent on retention in a treatment protocol. Aims: The current paper describes the challenges encountered when implementing a randomized controlled trial of cognitive therapy for the prevention of suicide attempts and the solutions developed to overcome these problems. Methods: Problems unique to suicide attempters are discussed, and strategies successfully implemented to boost retention rates are provided. Results: The methods implemented appeared to increase retention rates in the randomized controlled trial. Conclusions: Many steps can be taken to work with this difficult population, and researchers are encouraged to be as involved and flexible with participants as possible.