The effectiveness of psychotherapies in reducing further suicide attempts: a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

There is little evidence on the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions in reducing new suicide attempts. This article aims to evaluate the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions in reducing suicide attempts among patients with a history of previous attempts. We selected 17 articles from four databases: PubMed, Cochrane, APA PsycInfo and LILACS, in 2023. Six studies showed statistical differences that favored psychotherapeutic intervention at some point during the follow-up period. These psychotherapies addressed: problem-solving, hope induction, skills training. When comparing psychotherapy with usual care, a meta-analysis revealed an odds ratio of 0.41 (95 % CI, 0.17-0.99, p = .05) in the analysis up to 12 months of follow-up, and an odds ratio of 0.48 (95 % CI, 0.30-0.78, p < .001) after 12 months of follow-up. The results indicate the efficacy of these interventions in reducing additional suicide attempts, but they should be analyzed with caution, given the heterogeneity of the sample, treatments, and comparators. This review supports the development of prevention strategies indicated for patients who have attempted suicide.

Keywords

• psychotherapy
• randomized clinical trial
• efficiency
• suicide attempt