Effectiveness of an outpatient intervention targeting suicidal young adults: preliminary results

J Consult Clin Psychol. 1996 Feb;64(1):179-90. doi: 10.1037//0022-006x.64.1.179.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Ambulatory Care*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patient Admission
  • Problem Solving
  • Suicide / psychology
  • Suicide Prevention*
  • Treatment Outcome