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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2019 Dec;49(6):1746-1761.
doi: 10.1111/sltb.12568. Epub 2019 Jun 25.

Efficacy of a problem-solving intervention for the indicated prevention of suicidal risk in young Brazilians: Randomized controlled trial

Alessandra Xavier  1 , Patricia Otero  2 , Vanessa Blanco  3 , Fernando L Vázquez  4
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Efficacy of a problem-solving intervention for the indicated prevention of suicidal risk in young Brazilians: Randomized controlled trial

Alessandra Xavier et al. Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2019 Dec.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: adolescents; indicated prevention; problem-solving intervention.

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