Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Tested to Prevent Suicide Attempts

Clinical Takeaway

: In a high-risk, difficult-to-treat population, this targeted therapy was superior to another evidence-based psychotherapy, reinforcing that CBT is the suicide-prevention therapy of choice.

Context

Brief cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can reduce suicide attempts compared with usual care, but whether specific components of CBT are responsible for this benefit is unknown. To further investigate how CBT reduces suicide attempts, researchers conducted a study to compare CBT to an alternative psychotherapy treatment modality (present-centered therapy; PCT). In CBT, the goal was to address the emotional and cognitive states tied to suicidal thinking. PCT — proven effective to treat depression and PTSD, but not suicide — focused on problem-solving skills to manage life stressors and to lower emotional distress. Both approaches involved safety planning. Researchers randomized some 100 U.S. military personnel or veterans with recent…

Reviewing Author

Peter Roy-Byrne, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Peter Roy-Byrne, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Tested to Prevent Suicide Attempts

Topics

Clinical Takeaway

Context

Reviewing Author