Reduction in Suicidal Ideation from Prolonged Exposure Therapy for Adolescents

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Trauma Studies

Background:

• Adolescents with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) face elevated suicide risk.
• Suicidal ideation is a critical concern in adolescent mental health.
• Effective PTSD treatments are crucial for reducing suicide risk in youth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if PTSD treatment reduces suicidal ideation in adolescents.
• To investigate the association between PTSD symptom reduction and suicidal ideation reduction.
• To compare the efficacy of prolonged exposure therapy for adolescents (PE-A) versus client-centered therapy (CCT) in reducing suicidal ideation.

Main Methods:

• Adolescent females with PTSD resulting from sexual assault were randomized to PE-A or CCT.
• Participants (n=61) reported on suicidal ideation, depression, and PTSD symptoms pre- and post-treatment, during sessions, and at follow-up.
• Baseline data indicated approximately 40% of participants endorsed suicidal ideation.

Main Results:

• A significant reduction in suicidal ideation was observed across all participants during treatment.
• PE-A demonstrated a significantly steeper reduction in suicidal ideation compared to CCT (p < .05, d = 0.52).
• Reductions in PTSD (p < .05, d = 0.26–0.54) and depression symptoms (p < .05, d = 0.54–0.81) were associated with faster suicidal ideation reduction.

Conclusions:

• Adolescents receiving PE-A exhibited more rapid decreases in suicidal ideation than those in CCT.
• Greater symptom reduction in PTSD and depression correlated with quicker decreases in suicidal ideation.
• PE-A may be particularly beneficial for adolescents experiencing suicidal ideation without current intent.