Innovative Mobile App Shows Promise in Reducing Suicidal Behavior Among High-Risk Patients

A recent study demonstrates that a specialized mobile application designed for suicide prevention can significantly decrease suicidal behaviors in psychiatric inpatients identified as high risk. Developed through a collaboration between Yale School of Medicine and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, the app, known as OTX-202, provides targeted, suicide-specific therapy that complements standard treatment protocols.

Published in JAMA Network Open, the study involved a large, multi-site, double-blind randomized controlled trial with 339 participants from six diverse U.S. hospitals. Participants were assigned either the OTX-202 app or an active control app focusing on safety planning and psychoeducation, alongside their usual care. The findings revealed that users of OTX-202 experienced a remarkable 58.3% reduction in the recurrence of post-discharge suicide attempts, a critical advancement for individuals at heightened risk.

Moreover, the app's benefits extended beyond immediate post-discharge periods. Patients utilizing OTX-202 reported sustained reductions in suicidal thoughts for up to 24 weeks after hospitalization. In comparison, those using the control app saw initial improvements that diminished over time. This suggests that OTX-202 may be effective in maintaining long-term mental health improvements during the critical period after psychiatric discharge.

"Although traditional suicide-specific therapies are effective, accessing trained therapists immediately after hospital discharge remains challenging. OTX-202 offers a scalable, accessible solution," stated Craig Bryan, PsyD, co-first author and professor at Ohio State. The development of such digital therapeutics addresses urgent gaps in care and has the potential to save lives.

Suicide remains a leading cause of death in the U.S., with rates climbing over 33% since 1999. Annually, over 1 million adults exhibit suicidal behaviors, leading to nearly 500,000 hospitalizations for suicide attempts. These figures impose substantial economic burdens, estimated at $500 billion annually, and highlight the importance of innovative interventions.

Led by researchers Seth Feuerstein, MD, JD, and Patricia Simon, Ph.D., the study underscores OTX-202's potential to fill a critical treatment gap during the vulnerable post-discharge period. The app's therapy module specifically targets suicidal thoughts and urges, offering an intervention that is both accessible and cost-effective.

This advancement paves the way for broader adoption of digital mental health tools, aiming to reduce future suicide risk and improve long-term outcomes in mental health care.