Comparing cognitive behavior therapy, problem solving therapy, and treatment as usual in a high risk population

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Suicide attempters require effective therapeutic interventions.
• Brief therapies may offer a viable management approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Problem-Solving Therapy (PST) against Treatment as Usual (TAU) for suicide attempters.
• To evaluate the impact of these therapies on hopelessness, suicidal ideation, social problem-solving, and client satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving suicide attempters randomly assigned to CBT, PST, or TAU.
• Pre- and posttreatment assessments using validated scales: Beck Hopelessness Scale, Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation, Social Problem-Solving Inventory, and Client Satisfaction Questionnaire.

Main Results:

• Both CBT and PST showed significant within-group improvements across most measured variables.
• Compared to TAU, CBT and PST groups reported significantly higher client satisfaction.
• PST demonstrated significant reductions in suicidal ideation compared to TAU.

Conclusions:

• Brief therapies, specifically CBT and PST, are effective interventions for suicide attempters.
• PST shows particular efficacy in reducing suicidal ideation.
• These findings support the use of brief, targeted therapies in managing individuals who have attempted suicide.