Are digital interventions effective in reducing suicidal ideation and self-harm? A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Mental Health
• Digital Health
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Limited outcomes research exists on digital interventions for suicidal ideation and self-harm.
• Adult populations are the focus of this systematic review.
• The mediating role of depression in digital interventions is also explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the effectiveness of digital interventions in reducing suicidal ideation and self-harm among adults.
• To examine the potential mediating effects of depression.
• To identify effective digital therapeutic approaches for mental health.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from multiple databases (PubMed, Medline, PsycInfo, etc.).
• Adherence to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
• Assessment of study methodological quality and risk of bias.

Main Results:

• Fourteen RCTs involving 3455 participants were reviewed.
• Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based CBT, and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy showed consistent findings.
• Insufficient evidence exists to classify these digital interventions as evidence-based treatments for suicidal ideation and self-harm.

Conclusions:

• Digital interventions offer a safe and accessible alternative for individuals unable to access in-person care.
• Further research is crucial to identify optimal digital interventions and their risk-benefit profiles.
• Enhancing digital mental health support requires understanding specific intervention types and their efficacy.