BMC Psychiatry (Dec 2023)

Group brief cognitive behavioral therapy for suicide prevention compared to dialectal behavior therapy skills group for military service members: a study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

  • Justin C. Baker,
  • Shawna Grover,
  • Laura H. Gunn,
  • Cindy Charles,
  • Heather Rikli,
  • Michael J. Franks,
  • Lauren R. Khazem,
  • Sean Williams,
  • Ennio Ammendola,
  • Cherita Washington,
  • Marquita Bennette,
  • Austin Starkey,
  • Kelly Schnecke,
  • Shannon Cain,
  • Craig J. Bryan,
  • Robert J. Cramer

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-05282-x
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 23, no. 1
pp. 1 – 15

Abstract

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Abstract Background Suicide is a pressing matter for the military. Not only does it pose a health risk, but suicide also compromises operational readiness. Despite provision of suicide prevention clinical best practices, the Department of Defense suffers several challenges (e.g., clinician shortages) limiting the agency’s ability to effectively respond to service member suicide. Implementation of evidence-based suicide-specific group therapy is a possible solution to service member well-being needs and system challenges. Service members can also gain coping skills useful beyond managing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Methods This 2-arm non-inferiority randomized controlled trial compares a group therapy format of Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (i.e., G-BCBT) with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Group. Both therapies are delivered in-person at a United States Naval Medical Center. Participants (N = 136) are active-duty service members with recent suicidal thoughts or suicidal behavior. Evaluation features electronically delivered questionnaires at baseline, after each treatment session, and at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Discussion The primary outcome concerns G-BCBT impacts on suicidal ideation. Secondary outcomes of interest are suicide attempt, psychological distress (e.g., symptoms of depression, anxiety), and self-regulatory skills (e.g., emotion regulation). We also examine self-regulatory skills as treatment moderators. Clinical trial strengths and limitations are reviewed. Trial registration This study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (protocol NCT05401838).

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