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Efficacy of a problem‐solving intervention for the indicated prevention of suicidal risk in young Brazilians: Randomized controlled trial
Author(s) -
Xavier Alessandra,
Otero Patricia,
Blanco Vanessa,
Vázquez Fernando L.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
suicide and life‐threatening behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.544
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1943-278X
pISSN - 0363-0234
DOI - 10.1111/sltb.12568
Subject(s) - randomized controlled trial , intervention (counseling) , suicide prevention , medicine , poison control , suicide attempt , depressive symptoms , psychiatry , injury prevention , clinical psychology , physical therapy , psychology , anxiety , medical emergency
Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a problem‐solving intervention for the prevention of suicidal risk in Brazilian adolescents with elevated suicidal potential and depressive symptoms. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 100 participants (mean age 17.2 years, 60% women, 46% mixed race), allocated to the problem‐solving intervention ( n = 50) or the usual care control group ( n = 50). Blinded interviewers conducted assessments at pretreatment, posttreatment, 1, 3, and 6 months of follow‐up. The main outcome was suicidal orientation; secondary outcomes were suicidal risk, suicidal plans and attempts, depressive symptoms, and problem‐solving skills. Results At posttreatment and up to 6‐month follow‐up, there was lower suicidal orientation and suicidal risk in the problem‐solving group compared to the control group. There were lower suicidal plans and attempts (0.0% participants vs 2.2% with a suicide plan and 2.2% with both suicide plan and attempt); risk difference was 0.04 (95% CI: 0.01–0.09) and the number needed to treat was 25 (95% CI: 11–70). Significant effects of the intervention on depressive symptoms were found at posttreatment and maintained for 6 months. The change in global and functional problem‐solving skills mediated the reduction in suicide orientation. Conclusions Thus, suicidal risk can be successfully prevented in adolescents.