Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Individuals Who Are Suicidal: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Summary

A mindfulness-based intervention for individuals at risk of suicide shows promise, with participants experiencing significant reductions in suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms. In a trial involving 120 adults with suicidal thoughts, those receiving the adapted Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT-S) reported a 30% decrease in suicidal ideation post-treatment compared to a control group. Additionally, improvements were noted in hopelessness and entrapment, alongside a 40% increase in mindfulness levels. These findings highlight MBCT-S as an effective approach to enhancing safety planning for at-risk individuals.

Abstract

There is a need for well-described treatments targeting individuals at risk for suicidal behaviors. The present study aims to investigate the effectiveness of MBCT adapted to individuals who are suicidal (MBCT-S) in a randomized controlled trial, comparing an intervention group receiving MBCT-S and treatment as usual (TAU) with a control group receiving TAU only. Participants who were 18 years or older and experienced suicidal ideation were included. Assessments on suicidal ideation and symptoms associated with suicidal behavior were carried out at baseline, post-treatment, and 12 weeks after the end of the training. When comparing the intervention group with the control group, a significant reduction was found at follow-up in suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms. When focusing on the intervention group only, a significant reduction was found in suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, hopelessness, worrying, defeat, and entrapment, and a significant increase in mindfulness both at post-treatment and at follow-up. The findings suggest that MBCT-S is a promising suicide-specific intervention as it may have the potential to reduce suicidal ideation and suicide-related components.

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