Promising Outcomes in Family-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicidal Adolescents

A recent pilot study conducted by Karolinska Institutet in collaboration with BUP Stockholm has investigated the effectiveness of a family-oriented cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approach targeting adolescents exhibiting suicidal behaviors. The therapy, known as Safe Alternatives for Teens and Youths (SAFETY), has shown encouraging preliminary results that support its potential as an effective intervention during the critical phase following a suicide attempt.

The study, published in the journal BMJ Mental Health, involved 30 adolescents aged 10 to 17 years who had recently engaged in suicidal actions. Participants were randomly assigned to either the SAFETY treatment or an active control group receiving supportive therapy. The intervention lasted 12 weeks, and the study found high adherence rates and positive satisfaction levels among the participants in both groups.

Notably, at a three-month follow-up, only two adolescents in the SAFETY group and four in the control group had made new suicide attempts. There was also a marked reduction in self-harming behaviors in both groups. Researchers emphasized that SAFETY is a feasible and promising approach that warrants further investigation in larger trials to establish its definitive efficacy.

Beyond decreases in suicidal behavior and self-harm, participants receiving SAFETY also experienced improvements in anxiety, depression, quality of life, and emotional regulation. Such broader benefits suggest that the therapy could positively influence overall mental health in adolescents.

Experts involved in the research highlighted the significance of these findings. Dr. Moa Karemyr from Karolinska Institutet stated that this approach could be a valuable addition to acute care strategies for suicidal youth, emphasizing the need for further large-scale studies. Dr. Johan Bjureberg also underscored that these initial results are an important step toward developing more effective treatments for this vulnerable population.

The team is planning expanded randomized controlled trials to further evaluate SAFETY's effectiveness and explore its implementation in various healthcare settings. They expressed appreciation for the participation of families and clinicians, acknowledging the crucial role they played in advancing this research.

This study marks a meaningful progression in the field of adolescent mental health, offering hope for improved intervention options to prevent future suicidal behaviors. Continued investigation could pave the way for more accessible and effective treatments to support at-risk youth.