Reducing suicidal ideation. Effectiveness of a web-based self-help intervention. A randomised trial. (WC2007-068)

Background

Starting date: 15/11/2007 Suicide, attempted suicide and suicidal thoughts are a major problem in Dutch society. Face-to-face treatments often consist of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) or Problem Solving Treatment (PST). However, about 50% of the people who commit suicide are not in contact with mental health care services at that moment, and many have never been treated. Even when patients are being treated for depression or other emotional disorders, many do not disclose their suicidal thoughts to their care provider. This may be out of shame, due to fear of stigma or to lack of trust in (mental) health care. There are indications that people with suicidal thoughts seek information and help on the internet. Web-based self-help, in which individuals are explicitly encouraged to seek more traditional face-to-face therapy, might be a promising new way to reach people with this serious mental health problem who would not be reached otherwise.