Treating Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Within an Emotional Disorders Framework: Acceptability and Feasibility of the Unified Protocol in an Inpatient Setting

Kate H. Bentley, Shannon Sauer-Zavala, Clair F. Cassiello-Robbins, Laren R. Conklin, Stephanie Vento, Danyele Homer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

We provide a theoretical rationale for applying a transdiagnostic, shared mechanism treatment (the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders [UP]) to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. We also present results from a proof of concept study examining the feasibility and acceptability of adding a modified UP to treatment as usual (TAU) in an inpatient setting for individuals reporting a recent suicide attempt or active suicidal ideation. Participants (N = 12) were randomly assigned to receive UP + TAU or TAU alone. Findings indicate good feasibility and acceptability of the adjunctive intervention. Among participants who were responsive to contact attempts postdischarge (n = 6), there were no observable differences in suicidal thoughts or behaviors during a 6-month follow-up. This application represents a promising initial extension of a cognitive-behavioral, emotion-focused treatment to suicidal individuals within an inpatient setting. Future studies adequately powered to speak to efficacy of the modified UP intervention are warranted.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)529-557
Number of pages29
JournalBehavior Modification
Volume41
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2017

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2017, © The Author(s) 2017.

Keywords

  • inpatient
  • suicidal thoughts and behaviors
  • transdiagnostic
  • treatment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)

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