Treating repetitive suicidal intrusions using eye movements: Study protocol for a multicenter randomized clinical trial
Study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an Eye Movement Dual Task (EMDT) intervention targeting suicidal imagery in depressed patients.
Article Abstract
“Background: Suicide is a major public health problem, and it remains unclear which processes link suicidal ideation and plans to the act of suicide. Growing evidence shows that the majority of suicidal patients diagnosed with major depression or bipolar disorder report repetitive suicide-related images and thoughts (suicidal intrusions). Various studies showed that vividness of negative as well as positive intrusive images may be reduced by dual task (e.g. eye movements) interventions taxing the working memory. We propose that a dual task intervention may also reduce frequency and intensity of suicidal imagery and may be crucial in preventing the transition from suicidal ideation and planning to actual suicidal behaviour. This study aims a) to evaluate the effectiveness of an Eye Movement Dual Task (EMDT) add-on intervention targeting suicidal imagery in depressed patients, b) to explore the role of potential moderators and mediators in explaining the effect of EMDT, and c) to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of EMDT.
Methods: We will conduct a multi-center randomized clinical trial (RCT) evaluating the effects of EMDT in combination with usual care (n = 45) compared to usual care alone (n = 45). Participants will fill in multiple online batteries of self-report questionnaires as well as complete a semi-structured interview (Intrusion Interview), and online computer tasks. The primary outcome is the frequency and intrusiveness of suicidal imagery. Furthermore, the vividness, emotionality, and content of the suicidal intrusions are evaluated; secondary outcomes include: suicidal behaviour and suicidal ideation, severity of depression, psychological symptoms, rumination, and hopelessness. Finally, potential moderators and mediators are assessed.
Discussion: If proven effective, EMDT can be added to regular treatment to reduce the frequency and vividness of suicidal imagery.
—Description from publisher
Article Access
Open Access
van Bentum, J. S., Sijbrandij, M., Kerkof, A. J., Huisman, A., Arntz, A. R., Holmes, E. A., Franx, G., Mokkenstorm, J., & Huibers, M. J. (2019). Treating repetitive suicidal intrusions using eye movements: Study protocol for a multicenter randomized clinical trial. BMC Psychiatry 19, 143. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-019-2129-0
Date
May 9, 2019
Creator(s)
J. S. van Bentum, M. Sijbrandij, A. J. F. M. Kerkhof
Contributor(s)
A. Huisman, A. R. Arntz, E. A. Holmes, G. Franx, J. Mokkenstorm, M. J. H. Huibers
Topics
Depression, Self-Harm/Suicidality
Practice & Methods
Protocols
Extent
10 pages
Publisher
BMC
Rights
© The Author(s). 2019 Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated.
APA Citation
van Bentum, J. S., Sijbrandij, M., Kerkof, A. J., Huisman, A., Arntz, A. R., Holmes, E. A., Franx, G., Mokkenstorm, J., & Huibers, M. J. (2019). Treating repetitive suicidal intrusions using eye movements: Study protocol for a multicenter randomized clinical trial. BMC Psychiatry 19, 143. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-019-2129-0
Audience
EMDR Therapists, Other Mental Health Professionals
Language
English
Content Type
Article, Peer-Reviewed, RCT
Access Type
External Resource, Open Access
