Targeting Emotion Dysregulation to Reduce Suicide in People with Psychosis

Purpose

People with psychotic disorders are excluded from most suicide-focused clinical trials despite incredibly high rates of completed suicide, and interventions that have been tested for this population have shown limited impact on suicide. Emotion dysregulation is a significant suicidogenic factor that is understudied in people with psychotic disorders. The investigators propose to implement and evaluate an intervention targeting emotion dysregulation in people with psychotic disorders while employing rigorous statistical modeling and measurement techniques including Ecological Momentary Assessment, which will support future advanced research on suicide and suicide prevention for this high-risk group.

Conditions

  • Psychosis
  • Suicide

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Over 18 Years
Eligible Genders
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No

Inclusion Criteria

  • At least 18 years old - Psychosis spectrum disorder as assessed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) for Psychotic Disorder Studies - Heightened suicide risk as determined by a score of 8+ on the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R). This cutoff may be revised downwards (toward lower suicide risk) if recruitment appears difficult, but will not be revised upwards. - Enrollment and engagement in outpatient mental health services with at least one mental health service in the previous month - 6+ grade equivalent reading level as assessed by the Wide Range Achievement Test 4 (WRAT-4)

Exclusion Criteria

  • Chart diagnosis of intellectual disability (DSM5 317, 318), traumatic brain injury, or deafness.

Study Design

Phase
N/A
Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention Model
Parallel Assignment
Primary Purpose
Treatment
Masking
Single (Outcomes Assessor)

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Experimental
Dialectical Behavior Therapy - Skill Training
  • Behavioral: Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training
    Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training (DBT-ST) is a group-based intervention focused on teaching skills for improving emotion regulation. The sessions will be offered in-person or via approved telehealth services.
    Other names:
    • DBT
    • DBT-ST
    • DBT Skills Group
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Group
No Intervention
Treatment As Usual

Recruiting Locations

University of Maryland
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Contact:
Peter L Phalen
2063711107
pphalen@som.umaryland.edu

More Details

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
University of Maryland, Baltimore

Study Contact

Peter L Phalen, PsyD'
410-706-2490
pphalen@som.umaryland.edu