Effectiveness of Online Self-Help for Suicidal Thoughts: Results of a Randomised Controlled Trial

Bregje A J Van Spijker,Annemieke Van Straten,Hamid Reza Baradaran,Ad J F M Kerkhof

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0090118

Bregje A J Van Spijker, Annemieke Van Straten + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0090118

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Abstract

BackgroundMany people with suicidal thoughts do not receive treatment. The Internet can be used to reach more people in need of support.ObjectiveTo test the effectiveness of unguided online self-help to reduce suicidal thoughts.Method236 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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionsAlthough effect sizes were small, the reach of the internet could enable this intervention to help many people reduce their suicidal thoughts.Trial RegistrationNetherlands Trial Register NTR1689

Highlights

Effective treatments exist [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6] 44% of suicidal people in high income countries do not receive treatment [7]
Most of these web-based interventions are based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is relatively easy to adapt to an self-help format due to its structured approach
This paper describes a randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing unguided web-based self-help for suicidal thoughts with a waitlist control group

Summary

Objective

To test the effectiveness of unguided online self-help to reduce suicidal thoughts. Method: 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. Secondary outcomes were depressive symptoms, anxiety, hopelessness, worry, and health status

Results

Introduction

Methods

Discussion