TY - JOUR
T1 - Effectiveness of online self-help for suicidal thoughts
T2 - Results of a randomised controlled trial
AU - Van Spijker, Bregje A.J.
AU - Van Straten, Annemieke
AU - Kerkhof, Ad J.F.M.
PY - 2014/2/27
Y1 - 2014/2/27
N2 - Background: Many people with suicidal thoughts do not receive treatment. The Internet can be used to reach more people in need of support. Objective: To test the effectiveness of unguided online self-help to reduce suicidal thoughts. Method: 236 adults with mild to moderate suicidal thoughts were randomised to the intervention (n = 116) or a waitlist control group (n = 120). Assessments took place at baseline, and 2, 4 and 6 weeks later. Primary outcome was suicidal thoughts. Secondary outcomes were depressive symptoms, anxiety, hopelessness, worry, and health status. Results: The intervention group showed a small significant effect in reducing suicidal thoughts (d = 0.28). Effects were more pronounced for those with a history of repeated suicide attempts. There was also a significant reduction in worry (d = 0.33). All other secondary outcomes showed small but non-significant improvements. Conclusions: Although effect sizes were small, the reach of the internet could enable this intervention to help many people reduce their suicidal thoughts. Trial Registration: Netherlands Trial Register NTR1689.
AB - Background: Many people with suicidal thoughts do not receive treatment. The Internet can be used to reach more people in need of support. Objective: To test the effectiveness of unguided online self-help to reduce suicidal thoughts. Method: 236 adults with mild to moderate suicidal thoughts were randomised to the intervention (n = 116) or a waitlist control group (n = 120). Assessments took place at baseline, and 2, 4 and 6 weeks later. Primary outcome was suicidal thoughts. Secondary outcomes were depressive symptoms, anxiety, hopelessness, worry, and health status. Results: The intervention group showed a small significant effect in reducing suicidal thoughts (d = 0.28). Effects were more pronounced for those with a history of repeated suicide attempts. There was also a significant reduction in worry (d = 0.33). All other secondary outcomes showed small but non-significant improvements. Conclusions: Although effect sizes were small, the reach of the internet could enable this intervention to help many people reduce their suicidal thoughts. Trial Registration: Netherlands Trial Register NTR1689.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84896379539&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1371/journal.pone.0090118
DO - 10.1371/journal.pone.0090118
M3 - Article
SN - 1932-6203
VL - 9
JO - PLoS ONE
JF - PLoS ONE
IS - 2
M1 - e90118
ER -