title: Effectiveness of online self-help for suicidal thoughts: results of a randomised controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many people with suicidal thoughts do not receive treatment. The Internet can be used to reach more people in need of support.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To test the effectiveness of unguided online self-help to reduce suicidal thoughts.
  
  
  METHODS
  236 adults with mild to moderate suicidal thoughts were randomised to the intervention (n=116) or a waitlist control group (n=120). Assessments took place at baseline, and 2, 4 and 6 weeks later. Primary outcome was suicidal thoughts. Secondary outcomes were depressive symptoms, anxiety, hopelessness, worry, and health status.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The intervention group showed a small significant effect in reducing suicidal thoughts (d=0.28). Effects were more pronounced for those with a history of repeated suicide attempts. There was also a significant reduction in worry (d=0.33). All other secondary outcomes showed small but non-significant improvements.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although effect sizes were small, the reach of the internet could enable this intervention to help many people reduce their suicidal thoughts.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Netherlands Trial Register NTR1689.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia ; Department of Clinical Psychology and the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Faculty of Psychology and Education, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Bregje A J
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: van Spijker
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Psychology and the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Faculty of Psychology and Education, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Annemieke
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: van Straten
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Psychology and the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Faculty of Psychology and Education, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Ad J F M
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Kerkhof
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult