Suicide continues to be a significant public health issue, with an estimated 703,000 people dying by suicide each year worldwide. In the United States alone, there were 49,449 suicides reported in 2022. However, a recent study conducted by researchers at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine has shown promising results in the use of brief cognitive behavioral therapy for suicide prevention, delivered remotely via video telehealth.
The randomized clinical trial involved 96 adults in the U.S. who had experienced recent suicidal ideation or behavior. The study found that mental health therapists were able to effectively and safely provide high-risk suicidal patients with virtual therapy sessions. Brief cognitive behavioral therapy is a treatment known to reduce suicide attempts by up to 60% compared to standard mental health care. This study, however, was the first to test the delivery of this treatment remotely via video telehealth.
The research was conducted between 2021 and 2023, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to principal investigator Justin C. Baker, Ph.D., the shift to virtual therapy appointments due to the pandemic prompted the investigation into providing care for high-risk patients remotely. Participants in the study received either brief cognitive behavioral therapy or present-centered therapy, with the former showing significant reductions in suicide attempts compared to the latter. Both treatments resulted in reductions in suicidal ideation.
The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the most effective treatments for individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Craig Bryan, PsyD, a study co-investigator, emphasized the importance of evidence-based treatments for improving the quality of life for those dealing with suicidal ideation. The study also highlights the potential of telehealth practices to increase access to necessary treatments, especially for individuals in rural or hard-to-reach areas.
For anyone struggling with thoughts of suicide, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 is available for support. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, demonstrates the effectiveness of video telehealth for suicide prevention through brief cognitive behavioral therapy. This research provides a strong foundation for future efforts to address the pressing issue of suicide on a broader scale.
