Computer-Delivered Interventions Could Help Prevent Suicide

Those suffering from stress or anxiety could be at an increased risk of suicide in more severe cases. Waiting to get help is never an option.

Researchers at Florida State University have developed a computer based approach for treating anxiety sensitivity that could help veterans and other groups with high anxiety lower the risk of certain stressors.

"We have been using computer-delivered interventions for many years now in an effort to more efficiently deliver effective treatments," said psychology Professor Brad Schmidt, director of the Anxiety and Behavioral Health Clinic, in a news release. "This study gives us evidence that a brief intervention may help to prevent suicide risk."

For the study, researchers used a computerized treatment that does not require a therapist or other mental health specialist on 108 subjects. The intervention, known as Cognitive Anxiety Sensitivity Treatment, or CAST, is a 45-minute treatment that contains videos, interactive features and true-false questions that are designed to make sure that patients understand a provided topic.

The program works by helping to reduce racing thoughts as well as the inability to concentrate and make sure that others are not a danger to themselves as well as not an implication that something bad is about to happen.

Those who received CAST training saw their anxiety scores drop significantly more than those who just learned about healthy living. Furthermore, the decrease was similar to that seen in many therapy sessions.

Researchers believe that military members could stand to benefit, especially those who may be at an increased risk of suicide or suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In the future, researchers will work with groups to hone in on the effectiveness of CAST testing in larger sample groups using neurophysiological measures to examine how training affects brain systems while improving other suicide-related issues.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology.

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