Telehealth can help prevent suicide in people at high risk

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 13, 2024 (HealthDay News) — Therapy via telehealth may reduce a person’s risk of suicide, a new study reports.

Cognitive behavioral therapy reduces suicide attempts and thoughts, even when delivered via telehealth for short periods of time, according to results published Nov. 12 in the journal. JAMA network opened.

That’s good news, since therapy is more often given virtually these days, the researcher said Justin Bakera clinical psychologist at Ohio State University.

“The impetus for this research question was the almost overnight shift from primarily in-person to primarily virtual therapy appointments following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Baker said in an Ohio State news release. “Historically, high-risk patients have been considered inappropriate candidates for virtual healthcare due to risk and liability concerns.”

For the study, researchers randomly assigned 96 American adults to randomly receive the following via telehealth:

• Suicide-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, which taught them how to manage and change painful emotions and negative thinking

• Present-oriented therapy, which helps participants respond to tensions in their lives

Present-focused therapy has been proven to be an effective way to reduce depression and suicidal thoughts, researchers noted.

But in this study, cognitive behavioral therapy outperformed current-focused therapy in reducing anxiety suicide efforts among telehealth patients, researchers found.

Still, both therapies reduced suicidal thoughts in patients, the results showed.

“For those suffering from suicidal thoughts and behaviors, we have good, proven treatments that will lead to significant reductions in symptoms and improved quality of life,” said researcher Craig Bryandirector of the Ohio State University Suicide Prevention Program.

“Even with waning restrictions, many therapists are maintaining some portion of their telehealth practice post-pandemic,” Bryan added. “This study has the potential to increase access to needed, evidence-based treatments for people in rural and hard-to-reach areas.”

If you or a loved one are experiencing a suicidal crisis or emotional distress, please call .

More information

The National Institute of Mental Health has more about it prevention of suicide.

SOURCE: Ohio State University, press release, November 12, 2024