Assessing the Utility of MMPI-2-RF-EX in Detecting Simulated Underreporting of Current Suicide Risk...
Suicidal IdeationSuicidalThe aim of the current project are is examine the incremental predictive utility of the MMPI-2-RF-EX validity scales in detecting simulated underreporting of suicide risk on the MMPI-2-RF-EX and other self-report measures of suicide risk in 150 military Veterans experiencing past-month death or suicidal ideation.
Career Enhancement Training Study (USAF)
Suicidal IdeationA study evaluating a training program to decrease risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors among early career trainees in the United States Air Force.
Pilot Test of a Cultural Intervention to Enhance Alaska Native Students' Behavioral Health
DepressionAnxiety2 moreThis project aims to enhance AN university students' behavioral health by supporting their cultural identity development. While the connection between cultural identity and behavioral health is becoming clearer, comparably less research has explored methods of enhancing identity development. Consequently, the investigators will pilot a cultural identity development program for AN students at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). This intervention is based on extant scientific literature, local findings from focus group with AN students, and traditional wisdom from AN Elders. The eight-week Elder-facilitated program incorporates storytelling, experiential learning, connection, exploration, and sharing of identity, cultural strengths, life paths, and rootedness in who they are in order to remain grounded when they face changes and challenges. Approximately 40 to 50 AN university students will be recruited for the intervention. Participants will be randomized, with half the participants receiving the intervention in the Fall 2020 semester and half the students receiving the intervention in the Spring 2021 semester. We hypothesize that engaging in this intervention will strengthen AN students' cultural identities, strengths, and sense of community; improve their behavioral health, as evidenced in higher self-reported wellbeing, and lower substance use, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation symptoms; and support their academic persistence and achievement. Outcomes will be tested via mixed design analyses of covariance. Moreover, program feasibility will be examined through a process evaluation, which will entail thematic analyses of six focus groups with program participants (n=40-50) and with the Elders who facilitated the program (n=5).
Anti-suicidal Effects of Buprenorphine in Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid-use DisorderSuicidal IdeationThe study aims to examine the effect of buprenorphine on suicidal ideation in individuals with opioid use disorder, and to investigate the functional brain activity related to its potential anti-suicidal effect.
Bridging the Gap to Improve Mental Health Treatment Utilization
DepressionAnxiety2 moreBridging the Gap aims to improve access to effective mental health treatment in a primary care setting through utilization of single session growth mindset interventions for parents and for youths. This project will also utilize focus groups and qualitative interviews to gain feedback on a single session online intervention in a rural pediatric primary care practice.
The Effectiveness of Psychotherapy Classes in Reducing Suicidal Ideation
Suicidal IdeationThe proposed study will conduct a preliminary investigation of the effectiveness of two different psychotherapy classes at the Mental Health Crisis Response Centre (CRC) in reducing suicidal ideation. One class - Managing Difficult Emotions (MDE) - is an 8-session, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy-informed program that focuses on skills related to increasing tolerance for distress and emotion regulation such that harmful behaviors are reduced. The other class - Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBTm) - is a 4-session program that focuses on challenging and changing maladaptive beliefs and behaviors in order to reduce distress. Both classes are delivered in lecture style, PowerPoint format. The investigators will also examine the effectiveness of participation in psychotherapy classes in reducing symptoms of general psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and emotion dysregulation.
Screening Wizard, Component 1 of iCHART (Integrated Care to Help At-Risk Teens)-Feasibility/Pilot...
DepressionSuicidal IdeationScreening Wizard (SW). Primary Care Providers (PCPs) are often uncertain about how to best refer adolescents who screen positive for depression or suicidality. Screen-positive youth who are either not in treatment, or express dissatisfaction with current treatment will be consented by an on-site research assistant (RA). Those parents and patients receiving SW will answer additional questions: adaptive screens developed in a previous NIMH study (MH100155) for suicidal risk, anxiety, and mania; perceived barriers; and preferences about treatment. SW generates recommendations for PCPs reflecting patient clinical needs and preferences.
Screening Wizard- Phase 2
DepressionSuicidal IdeationScreening Wizard (SW). Primary Care Providers (PCPs) are often uncertain about how to best refer adolescents who screen positive for depression or suicidality. Screen-positive youth who are either not in treatment, or express dissatisfaction with current treatment will be consented by an on-site research assistant (RA). Participants will answer questions via adaptive screens developed in a previous NIMH study (MH100155) for suicidal risk, anxiety, and mania. These will address perceived barriers and preferences about treatment. Participants are then randomized into 1 of 3 groups: 1) Providing the symptoms scores report of results to their provider based on their Screening Wizard responses (Screening as Usual); 2) Providing the symptoms scores report and their responses to treatment preferences and barriers including treatment recommendations their provider might suggest (Screening Wizard 2.0); or 3) Providing the report with treatment recommendations to their provider and a website called SOVA or Supporting Our Valued Adolescent, that is aimed at addressing perceptions about mental health providing support to teens through peer interaction that social workers and doctors moderate on a 24 hour a day basis (Screening Wizard 2.0 + SOVA).
Phone Call Follow-up After Crisis Centre Presentation With Suicidal Ideation and Behaviours.
SuicideSuicidal Ideation4 moreThis goal of this research is to examine the efficacy and feasibility of starting a phone call follow-up program for individuals discharged to the community after presenting to the Crisis Response Centre (CRC), a standalone mental health facility in Winnipeg, with suicidal ideation or behaviours. Currently there is no worldwide gold standard for how best to follow-up with individuals following presentations to health services with suicidal ideation or behaviours, despite the period immediately after discharge from mental health services being identified as a period of increased risk for death by suicide (Chung et al., 2017; Steeg et al., 2012). This risk is higher still for individuals who specifically had suicidal ideation or behaviours as a component of their reason for presenting to mental health services (Chung et al., 2017). One strategy that has been employed to mitigate this risk is brief contact interventions (BCI), which involves following up with people through text, phone calls, or written messages. Research has shown that this type of follow-up is well-received by individuals and although some studies have found this strategy reduces the rates of suicidal behaviours during this high-risk period, the overall literature shows mixed results (Miller et al., 2017; Exbrayat et al., 2017; Cebria et al., 2016; Milner et al., 2015; Morthorst et al., 2012; Fleischmann et al., 2008; Cedereke et al., 2002). Because the research on phone call follow up programs has been mixed, we will be conducting a brief trial to study the efficacy and feasibility of a phone call follow-up system in Winnipeg to inform whether or not this type of program would be of benefit to the community. In order to best study this, we will be conducting a randomized control trial for individuals who are discharged to the community after presenting to the CRC with a recent history of suicidal thoughts or behaviours. Participants will be randomized into either an intervention group or a control group. All participants will receive at least one and no more than five phone calls during the five-week period immediately following discharge from the CRC, and the content and timing of these phone calls will be different depending on which group a participant is randomized to. We will rely on both self-reported data, which will be collected in a formalized fashion, and data in the electronic medical records of participants to analyze this intervention. Our hypothesis is that the specific protocol we have designed to follow up with the intervention group will result in decreased suicidal thoughts and behaviours in the period immediately following discharge.
Biomarkers as Predictors of Suicidal Risk in Adolescents
SuicideAttempted3 moreSuicide is one of the most devastating events in society at all levels. The primary goal of this study is to predict suicide in adolescents at risk. We will utilize blood biomarker measurement and clinical risk factor scales to develop a tool to identify adolescents at risk for suicide earlier, which will allow clinicians to prescribe timely treatment and prevent suicide.