A study protocol of the effectiveness of the Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP) for recent suicide attempters: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Given the limited research focusing on psychotherapeutic interventions for suicide attempters, it is noteworthy that the Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP) has demonstrated promising results in previous studies. In this investigation, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of ASSIP across diverse healthcare settings, outlining the study design and planned evaluation.

METHODS: Using a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) design with four assessment points (baseline, 3, 12- and 24-month follow-up), we aim to assess the effect of the 3-session psychotherapeutic intervention and hereafter brief contact via structured letters during 2 years in a clinical sample of recent suicide attempters (suicide attempts within three months before inclusion). Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups; treatment as usual plus ASSIP or the control condition, treatment as usual. Assessments include measures of suicidal intent, coping, symptoms of depression, quality of life, self-stigma, and sick leave. The primary outcome is suicide attempt(s) within 3, 12, and 24 months and the secondary outcome is suicidal ideation within the same time frames after study inclusion.

DISCUSSION: Findings from this study will provide novel insights regarding the effects of ASSIP on not only subsequent suicidal behavior but also other outcomes including self-stigma, quality of life, social network, sick leave, and symptoms of depression.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered at ClinicalTrial.gov NCT04746261 on 2020-10-15.