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Treatment of Intrusive Suicidal Imagery Using Eye Movements
Jaël S van Bentum1, Marit Sijbrandij2, Marcus J H Huibers3,4
1Department of Clinical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), van der Boechorststraat 1, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands. j.s.van.bentum@vu.nl.
Abstract:
Suicide and suicidal behavior are major public health concerns, and affect 3-9% of the population worldwide. Despite increased efforts for national suicide prevention strategies, there are still few effective interventions available for reducing suicide risk. In this article, we describe various theoretical approaches for suicide ideation and behavior, and propose to examine the possible effectiveness of a new and innovative preventive strategy. A model of suicidal intrusion (mental imagery related to suicide, also referred to as suicidal flash-forwards) is presented describing one of the assumed mechanisms in the etiology of suicide and the mechanism of therapeutic change. We provide a brief rationale for an Eye Movement Dual Task (EMDT) treatment for suicidal intrusions, describing techniques that can be used to target these suicidal mental images and thoughts to reduce overall behavior. Based on the available empirical evidence for the mechanisms of suicidal intrusions, this approach appears to be a promising new treatment to prevent suicidal behavior as it potentially targets one of the linking pins between suicidal ideation and suicidal actions.
Insights
This study introduces a novel preventive strategy for suicide, focusing on suicidal intrusions (mental imagery related to suicide). Eye Movement Dual Task (EMDT) treatment shows promise in reducing suicide risk by targeting these intrusive thoughts.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Suicide and suicidal behavior represent significant global public health challenges, impacting 3-9% of the world's population.
- Existing suicide prevention strategies have limited effective interventions for reducing suicide risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore theoretical approaches to suicide ideation and behavior.
- To examine the potential effectiveness of a novel preventive strategy targeting suicidal intrusions.
Main Methods:
- Presentation of a model of suicidal intrusion, defined as mental imagery related to suicide (suicidal flash-forwards).
- Rationale for an Eye Movement Dual Task (EMDT) treatment designed to address suicidal intrusions.
- Description of techniques within EMDT to target suicidal mental images and thoughts.
Main Results:
- The proposed model links suicidal intrusions to the etiology of suicide and therapeutic change.
- EMDT treatment is hypothesized to reduce suicidal behavior by targeting a key mechanism connecting ideation and action.
Conclusions:
- Suicidal intrusions are a critical factor in the pathway from suicidal ideation to suicidal actions.
- Eye Movement Dual Task (EMDT) treatment presents a promising, innovative approach for suicide prevention by addressing these specific mental phenomena.
