Effectiveness of an outpatient intervention targeting suicidal young adults: preliminary results.
This study evaluated the effectiveness of a time-limited, outpatient intervention targeting suicidal young adults. Participants (N = 264) were randomly assigned to either the experimental treatment or the control condition (i.e., treatment as usual). In addition to intake assessments, participants completed follow-ups at 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Both treatment and control participants evidenced significant improvement across all outcome measures throughout the follow-up period. Reductions were reported in suicidal ideation and behavior, associated symptomatology, and experienced stress, along with marked improvement in self-appraised problem-solving ability. Results also indicated that the experimental treatment was more effective than treatment as usual at retaining the highest risk participants. Available data demonstrate the efficacy of a time-limited, outpatient intervention for suicidal young adults. Implications of current findings for intervention with and treatment of this population are discussed.
Rudd
M D
MD
Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple 76508, USA.
Rajab
M H
MH
Orman
D T
DT
Joiner
T
T
Stulman
D A
DA
Dixon
W
W
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010343:Patient Admission; D011340:Problem Solving; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000092864:Suicide Prevention