Prevention of recurrent suicidal behavior: Case management and psychoeducation

• Published in: Psicothema 2019-05, Vol.31 (2), p.107-113
• Main Authors: Fernández-Artamendi, Sergio, Al-Halabí, Susana, Burón, Patricia, Rodríguez-Revuelta, Julia, Garrido, Marlén, González-Blanco, Leticia, García-Álvarez, Leticia, García-Portilla, Paz, Sáiz, Pilar, Bobes, Julio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Case Management; Female; Humans; Male; Patient Education as Topic; Prevention programs; Program Evaluation; Recurrence; Suicidal behavior; Suicide, Attempted - prevention & control; Suicides & suicide attempts
• ISSN: 0214-9915; 1886-144X
• DOI: 10.7334/psicothema2018.247

Development of effective programs for suicide prevention is a global priority. This study evaluated the differential effectiveness of the combination of several strategies to prevent repetition of suicide attempts. Participants were patients who entered the Emergency Department after a non-fatal suicide attempt. A total of 163 participants (68.1% females, mean age = 41.39) met the inclusion criteria and were spread across three groups: One group received a passive strategy consisting of preventive information, a second group received the passive strategy combined with an active component of case management (MAC), and a third group received the passive strategy, case management and a psychoeducational programme (PSyMAC). Randomization of participants was not possible. The study included assessments at the beginning, and follow-ups every six months up to 30 months. The study showed no significant differences between groups in the number of re-attempts. Logistic regression showed a positive effect for MAC. The present study showed that the use of case management could be a promising strategy, but more research is needed.