Study protocol: the development of a randomised controlled trial testing a postcard intervention designed to reduce suicide risk among young help-seekers

Jo Robinson,Sarah Hetrick,Alison Yung,Sara Gook,Patrick Mcgorry,Hok Pan Yuen,Elizabeth Cosgrave

doi:10.1186/1471-244x-9-59

Jo Robinson, Sarah Hetrick + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244x-9-59

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Journal: BMC Psychiatry	Publication Date: Sep 23, 2009
Citations: 38	License type: CC BY 2.0

Affiliation: Orygen Youth Health, University of Melbourne

Abstract

BackgroundSuicidal behaviour and deliberate self harm are common among adolescents. Limited evidence exists regarding interventions that can reduce risk; however research indicates that maintaining contact either via letter or postcard with at-risk adults following discharge from services can reduce risk. The aim of the study is to test a postcard intervention among people aged 15-24 who presented to mental health services but are not accepted, yet are at risk of suicide.Methods/designThe study is a 3-year randomised controlled trial conducted at Orygen Youth Health Research Centre in Melbourne Australia. Participants are young help-seekers aged 15-24 who are at risk of suicide. Participants will be recruited over a 12 month period. The intervention comprises a regular postcard to be sent monthly for 12 months. The postcard enquires after their well being and includes information regarding individual sources of help and evidence-based self help strategies. Participants are assessed at baseline, 12 and 18 months.DiscussionThis paper describes the development of a study which aims to reduce suicide risk in a sample of young help-seekers. If effective, this intervention could have significant clinical and research implications for a population who can be hard to treat and difficult to research.Trial RegistrationThe study was registered with the Australian Clinical Trials Registry; number: ACTRN012606000274572.

Highlights

Suicidal behaviour and deliberate self harm are common among adolescents
This paper describes the development of a study which aims to reduce suicide risk in a sample of young help-seekers
This paper describes the protocol for a RCT that aims to reduce suicide risk among young help-seekers

Summary

Introduction

Suicidal behaviour and deliberate self harm are common among adolescents. The aim of the study is to test a postcard intervention among people aged 15-24 who presented to mental health services but are not accepted, yet are at risk of suicide. Suicidal and self-harming behaviour, including suicidal ideation, are common amongst adolescents. Approximately 5-7% report having engaged in deliberate self-harm (DSH) in a 12 month period, whilst lifetime rates are 12-13% [1,2]. A key risk factor for suicidal behaviour is mental disorder [7], affective disorders and/or depressive symptoms [7,2]. Mental disorders are not present in all young people at risk and suicidal behaviour is often precipitated by adverse life events or interpersonal crises [7]

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