Abstract

SAMARAWEERA, Sudath et al. RCT of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in active suicidal ideation-as feasibility study in Sri Lanka. Eur. J. Psychiat. [online]. 2007, vol.21, n.3, pp.175-178. ISSN 0213-6163.

Background and Objectives: With one of the highest rates of suicide in the world and high rates of suicidal ideation in the population, we set out to pilot a study to ascertain whether it is possible to conduct a randomised controlled trial. Secondly we aimed to study whether Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for suicidal ideation is better than treatment as usual (TAU). Method: Those with suicidal ideation (identified by a population survey using GHQ-30 and Beck's suicidal ideation scale) were randomly allocated to 3-6 sessions of structured Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. The CBT was provided using a manual in primary care settings. Results: Of the two groups (CBT = 5, TAU = 4) the group which had received CBT showed a greater reduction in Beck's Suicidal Intent Score (from mean 11.2 to 0.2) and in GHQ-30 (from 22.0 to 10.8) in three months. Conclusions: The pilot study indicates that it is possible to conduct CBT and RCT in developing countries. The implications of this are discussed.

Keywords : Suicide; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; Suicidal Ideation; Community; Sri-Lanka.

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