Innovative Family Therapy Shows Promise for Suicidal Teens

A recent pilot study conducted by researchers at Karolinska Institutet, in collaboration with Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Services in Region Stockholm, has explored a new family-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) targeting adolescents exhibiting suicidal behavior. The study, published in the journal BMJ Mental Health, evaluated the treatment known as Safe Alternatives for Teens and Youths (SAFETY) and indicated a positive potential for reducing suicide attempts among participants.

The study involved 30 adolescents aged between 10 and 17, who had recently exhibited suicidal behavior. Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving the SAFETY treatment and the other receiving an active control in the form of supportive therapy. The therapy sessions were conducted over a 12-week period.

The findings revealed that adherence to both treatment modalities was high, with participants expressing satisfaction regarding their respective therapies. At the three-month follow-up, two participants in the SAFETY group and four in the control group reported subsequent suicide attempts. However, both groups demonstrated a decrease in self-harming behaviors.

Moa Karemyr, a researcher at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience at Karolinska Institutet, noted the promising nature of the SAFETY treatment. The study's results suggest that this approach could be a viable option for adolescents in the critical phase following a suicide attempt. Karemyr emphasized the importance of further research involving larger participant groups to assess the treatment's efficacy comprehensively.

In addition to its impact on suicide attempts and self-harm, participants in the SAFETY group also reported improvements in anxiety, depression levels, overall quality of life, and emotional regulation. These results indicate that the SAFETY therapy may offer broader mental health benefits for adolescents facing such challenges.

Johan Bjureberg, also affiliated with Karolinska Institutet, described the study as a significant advancement in identifying effective therapeutic options for adolescents struggling with suicidal behavior. The researchers are optimistic that their findings will enhance understanding and improve care for this vulnerable demographic.

The study underscores the necessity for additional research to validate these initial findings and to investigate how the SAFETY method can be integrated into various healthcare settings. Plans are underway for a larger randomized controlled trial to further analyze the treatment's effectiveness.

Researchers expressed gratitude to the families and clinicians who participated in the study, highlighting their commitment to advancing mental health care for adolescents.

This pilot study represents a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to develop effective interventions for adolescents at risk of suicide, potentially leading to better treatment options for this at-risk population.