File(s) not publicly available
Study protocol: The development of a randomised controlled trial testing a postcard intervention designed to reduce suicide risk among young help-seekers
journal contribution
posted on 2009-09-23, 00:00 authored by J Robinson, S Hetrick, S Gook, E Cosgrave, H P Yuen, P McGorry, Alison YungAlison YungBackground: Suicidal behaviour and deliberate self harm are common among adolescents. Limited evidence exists regarding interventions that can reduce risk; however research indicates that maintaining contact either via letter or postcard with at-risk adults following discharge from services can reduce risk. The aim of the study is to test a postcard intervention among people aged 15-24 who presented to mental health services but are not accepted, yet are at risk of suicide. Methods/design: The study is a 3-year randomised controlled trial conducted at Orygen Youth Health Research Centre in Melbourne Australia. Participants are young help-seekers aged 15-24 who are at risk of suicide. Participants will be recruited over a 12 month period. The intervention comprises a regular postcard to be sent monthly for 12 months. The postcard enquires after their well being and includes information regarding individual sources of help and evidence-based self help strategies. Participants are assessed at baseline, 12 and 18 months. Discussion: This paper describes the development of a study which aims to reduce suicide risk in a sample of young help-seekers. If effective, this intervention could have significant clinical and research implications for a population who can be hard to treat and difficult to research. © 2009 Robinson et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
History
Journal
BMC PsychiatryVolume
9Pagination
59 - ?Publisher DOI
eISSN
1471-244XPublication classification
C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalUsage metrics
Categories
No categories selectedKeywords
Licence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC