Treating Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Within an Emotional Disorders Framework: Acceptability and Feasibility of the Unified Protocol in an Inpatient Setting

Abstract

We provide a theoretical rationale for applying a transdiagnostic, shared mechanism treatment (the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders [UP]) to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. We also present results from a proof of concept study examining the feasibility and acceptability of adding a modified UP to treatment as usual (TAU) in an inpatient setting for individuals reporting a recent suicide attempt or active suicidal ideation. Participants (N = 12) were randomly assigned to receive UP + TAU or TAU alone. Findings indicate good feasibility and acceptability of the adjunctive intervention. Among participants who were responsive to contact attempts postdischarge (n = 6), there were no observable differences in suicidal thoughts or behaviors during a 6-month follow-up. This application represents a promising initial extension of a cognitive-behavioral, emotion-focused treatment to suicidal individuals within an inpatient setting. Future studies adequately powered to speak to efficacy of the modified UP intervention are warranted.

Keywords

suicidal thoughts and behaviors treatment inpatient transdiagnostic

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