Researchers at Columbus-based Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine found that virtual, text-based crisis response planning may help reduce suicidal thoughts among adolescents, Spectrum News 1 reported Jan. 5.
The research was led by Stephanie Gorka, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Ohio State University; Annabel Fuller, clinical research assistant, and Shiane Toleson, clinical research coordinator.
The study involved 51 teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18 who had recently experienced suicidal thoughts, according to the report. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three single-session interventions: chat-based crisis response planning, in-person crisis response planning or a virtual self-guided safety planning tool.
Researchers found that all three treatments were “acceptable and practical,” though teens found the chat-based method easier to use and were more likely to use their personalized crisis plan afterward compared to the in-person group.
The study also found that virtual approaches may lower the severity of suicidal thoughts. Nearly 40% of participants reported no suicidal thoughts two weeks after the intervention, according to the report.
Read the full study here.
