EFFECTIVENESS OF AN OUTPATIENT INTERVENTION TARGETING SUICIDAL YOUNG-ADULTS - PRELIMINARY-RESULTS

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a time-limited, outpatient i ntervention targeting suicidal young adults. Participants (N = 264) we re randomly assigned to either the experimental treatment or the contr ol condition (i.e., treatment as usual). In addition to intake assessm ents, participants completed follow-ups at 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months . Both treatment and control participants evidenced significant improv ement across all outcome measures throughout the follow-up period. Red uctions were reported in suicidal ideation and behavior, associated sy mptomatology, and experienced stress, along with marked improvement in self-appraised problem-solving ability. Results also indicated that t he experimental treatment was more effective than treatment as usual a t retaining the highest risk participants. Available data demonstrate the efficacy of a time-limited, outpatient intervention for suicidal y oung adults. Implications of current findings for intervention with an d treatment of this population are discussed.