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Collaborative assessment and management of suicidality (CAMS): feasibility trial for next‐day appointment services
Author(s) -
Comtois Katherine Anne,
Jobes David A.,
S. O'Connor Stephen,
Atkins David C.,
Janis Karin,
E. Chessen Chloe,
Landes Sara J.,
Holen Anna,
YuodelisFlores Christine
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
depression and anxiety
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.634
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1520-6394
pISSN - 1091-4269
DOI - 10.1002/da.20895
Subject(s) - suicidal ideation , distress , psychological intervention , medicine , intervention (counseling) , psychiatry , suicide attempt , randomized controlled trial , suicide prevention , poison control , clinical psychology , medical emergency , surgery
Background: Despite the ubiquity of suicidality in behavioral health settings, empirically supported interventions for suicidality are surprisingly rare. Given the importance of resolving suicidality and therapists' anxieties about treating suicidal patients, there is a clear need for innovative services and clinical approaches. The purpose of the current study was an attempt to address some of these needs by examining the feasibility and use of a new intervention called the “Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality” (CAMS) within a “Next‐Day Appointment” (NDA) outpatient treatment setting. Methods: As part of a larger feasibility study, n = 32 suicidal patients were randomly assigned to CAMS care versus Enhanced Care as Usual (E‐CAU) in an outpatient crisis intervention setting attached to a safety net hospital. Intent to treat suicidal patients were seen and assessed before, during, and after treatment (with follow‐up assessments conducted at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months). Results: The feasibility of using CAMS in the NDA setting was clear; both groups appeared to initially benefit from their respective treatments in terms of decreased suicidal ideation and overall symptom distress. Although patients rated both treatments favorably, the CAMS group had significantly higher satisfaction and better treatment retention than E‐CAU. At 12 months post‐treatment, CAMS patients showed significantly better and sustained reductions in suicidal ideation, overall symptom distress, and increased hope in comparison to E‐CAU patients. Conclusions: CAMS was both feasible in this NDA setting and effective in treating suicidal ideation, distress, and hopelessness (particularly at 12 months followup). Depression and Anxiety, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.