Suicide, AttemptedNePsyAssip HTNCT06322199
Differences Between Suicide Attempters and Suicide Ideators. Influence of the Brief Therapy Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP) on Neuropsychological Correlates and Psychological Process Factors - Project 3
An observational study of Suicide, Attempted and Suicidal Ideation, run by University of Bern at 4 sites in Switzerland.
Trial summary
The present study consists of 3 projects in total. It aims to investigate the (neuro-) psychological patterns from suicidal ideation to suicidal behavior as well as the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of ASSIP flex. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Suicide, Attempted, Suicidal Ideation, Feasibility
- What is being tested?
- ASSIP (Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program) flex
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- How many people
- 119 participants
- Where
- 4 sitesSwitzerland
- Study dates
- 23 Sep 2022to 31 Dec 2026
- How long will I take part?
- 12 Months
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: Participants with a past suicide attempt will be recruited at the University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Bern (Switzerland) and following recruitment centers: * Sanatorium Kilchberg Private Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy * Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich (PUKZH) * Vaud University Hospital (CHUV) in Lausanne * Department of General and Liaison Psychiatry CNP in Neuchâtel
Who may be able to join
- Subjects fulfilling the following inclusion criteria are eligible for the study:
- Informed consent as documented by signature
- Age ≥ 18 years
- At least one previous suicide attempt
- Willingness to attend the ASSIP Flex
Who cannot join
- The presence of any one of the following exclusion criteria will lead to exclusion of the subject:
- Serious cognitive impairment
- Any psychotic disorder
- Inability to follow the procedures of the study (e.g., insufficient mastery of the German language, previous enrolment into the current study)
Trial locations and contacts
4 sites in 1 country.
Switzerland4 sites
Centre Hospitalier universitaire vaudois (CHUV)
Lausanne
Center Neuchâtelois de Psychiatrie
Neuchâtel
Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich (PUKZH)
Zurich
Sanatorium Kilchberg
Zurich
About this study
Official title: Differences Between Suicide Attempters and Suicide Ideators. Influence of the Brief Therapy ASSIP on Neuropsychological Correlates and Psychological Process Factors (NePsyASSIP HT) - Project 3
The present study consists of 3 projects in total. It aims to investigate the (neuro-) psychological patterns from suicidal ideation to suicidal behavior as well as the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of ASSIP flex.
The overall aim of Project 3 is to evaluate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of ASSIP flex over a 12-month follow-up period in terms of suicide reattempts and suicide correlates in a cohort who is attending ASSIP flex after a suicide attempt.
Read the detailed description
Purpose and aims:
In project 3, the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of ASSIP flex setting over a 12-month follow-up period will be investigated. To investigate that, the present study examines the newly implemented ASSIP flex service developed and implemented at the University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Bern (Switzerland).
Background:
In Switzerland, approximately three people die by suicide every day, and suicide attempts exceed this number by far. As a previous suicide attempt is one of the strongest predictors of a completed suicide, it is of utmost importance to identify the people at risk. However, research has shown that traditional risk factors (e.g., depression, psychiatric disorder, etc.) reliably predict suicide ideation but poorly predict suicidal behavior. Furthermore, while effective suicide-specific interventions exist, up to 50% of the suicide attempters reject the recommended treatment, and around 60% discontinue treatment after one session. Hence, a different approach is required. In this study, three projects will be conducted. Project 3 evaluates the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of ASSIP flex.
Study design of Project 3:
The present study examines longitudinally and observationally the newly implemented ASSIP flex at the University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Bern (Switzerland) and four additional recruitment centers. Patients after a suicide attempt who are immobile and/or not able to participate in the regular ASSIP due to other reasons (e.g., shame or fear of stigmatization) are asked to participate in the ASSIP flex project. Moreover, the ASSIP flex will be implemented and investigated in four additional recruitment centers in Switzerland: 1) Sanatorium Kilchberg in Zurich; 2) Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich (PUKZH); 3) Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV); 4) Center Neuchâtelois de Psychiatrie (CNP).
All ASSIP flex patients who have agreed to participate in Project 3 (ASSIP flex) are asked to complete a baseline assessment (filling out questionnaires) before the first ASSIP flex session. This baseline assessment is conducted in the patient's environment (i.e., where the ASSIP flex sessions are carried out).
After the baseline assessment, the participants receive ASSIP flex in their personal environment, and after each ASSIP Flex session, process measurements (therapeutic alliance) are completed. Moreover, repeated measurements are conducted after four-six weeks and 12 months follow-up to assess long-term effects.
In project 3 of this study, no randomization took place, and all participants in this group received ASSIP flex.
To investigate the feasibility and effects of ASSIP flex, therapists will also be asked to complete some questionnaires. After the last flex session of each case, they are asked to fill out a brief questionnaire to rate their experiences with this ASSIP flex case. Finally, therapists are asked one year and two years after their ASSIP training to fill out a short questionnaire about their experiences with the ASSIP flex.
- Being tested
- ASSIP (Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program) flex
- Medical subject headings
- Suicide, Attempted, Suicidal Ideation
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
ASSIP (Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program) flexBehavioural
ASSIP is a specific therapy for patients after a suicide attempt. The brief therapy ASSIP consists of 3-4 sessions of approximately 50 min. each. ASSIP flex delivers ASSIP in the patient's personal environment as an outreach home treatment. The structure of the ASSIP is the same as in the regular ASSIP, but the program is delivered in the patient's environment.
Session 1: A narrative interview is conducted, in which the patient is asked to tell her personal story, which led to the suicidal crisis. The narrative is video-recorded.
Session 2: Using video playback of the recorded narrative, patient and therapist explore further details of the suicidal process.
Session 3: A case conceptualization focusing on the patient's vulnerability and the trigger of the suicidal crisis is formulated in writing. A list of safety strategies for the prevention of future suicidal behavior is developed jointly with the patient.
Regular letters are sent to patients over a period of 2 years.
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Suicidal ideation (Baseline, t0)
The Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSI) is a clinical assessment tool designed to measure the severity of suicidal ideation in individuals. It is used in clinical and research settings to assess the risk of suicide. The BSI consists of 19 items, and each item is scored on a 3-point scale (0 to 2). The total score, which ranges from 0 to 38, reflects the severity of suicidal ideation. The minimum score is 0, indicating no suicidal ideation and the maximum score is 38, indicating the highest level of suicidal ideation. Higher scores indicate a greater severity of suicidal ideation, and thus, higher scores are generally associated with a worse outcome.
Measured: One week before the first ASSIP flex session.
Suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior (Baseline, t0)
The Suicidal Ideation and Behavior Scale (SSEV) is a German 9-item self-report instrument. Items 1-7 assess the frequency of suicidal ideation, suicidal intention, suicidal impulses, and suicide plan (0 = never to 5 = many times every day). A total value is calculated using items 1-7, where a value of 0-30 can result. Additionally, suicide attempts during the past four weeks and the occurrence of lifetime suicide attempts are assessed with a dichotomous response format (yes/ no) and it is asked about the frequency of lifetime suicide attempts. Higher scores indicate a more severe level of suicidal ideation, which is generally associated with a worse outcome.
Measured: One week before the first ASSIP flex session.
Suicidal ideation (Follow-up, t1)
The Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSI) is a clinical assessment tool designed to measure the severity of suicidal ideation in individuals. It is used in clinical and research settings to assess the risk of suicide. The BSI consists of 19 items, and each item is scored on a 3-point scale (0 to 2). The total score, which ranges from 0 to 38, reflects the severity of suicidal ideation. The minimum score is 0, indicating no suicidal ideation and the maximum score is 38, indicating the highest level of suicidal ideation. Higher scores indicate a greater severity of suicidal ideation, and thus, higher scores are generally associated with a worse outcome.
Measured: After the three ASSIP flex sessions are completed, up to 4-6 weeks.
Suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior (Follow-up, t1)
The Suicidal Ideation and Behavior Scale (SSEV) is a German 9-item self-report instrument. Items 1-7 assess the frequency of suicidal ideation, suicidal intention, suicidal impulses, and suicide plan (0 = never to 5 = many times every day). A total value is calculated using items 1-7, where a value of 0-30 can result. Additionally, suicide attempts during the past four weeks and the occurrence of lifetime suicide attempts are assessed with a dichotomous response format (yes/ no) and it is asked about the frequency of lifetime suicide attempts. Higher scores indicate a more severe level of suicidal ideation, which is generally associated with a worse outcome.
Measured: After the three ASSIP flex sessions are completed, up to 4-6 weeks.
Suicidal ideation (Follow-up, t2)
The Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSI) is a clinical assessment tool designed to measure the severity of suicidal ideation in individuals. It is used in clinical and research settings to assess the risk of suicide. The BSI consists of 19 items, and each item is scored on a 3-point scale (0 to 2). The total score, which ranges from 0 to 38, reflects the severity of suicidal ideation. The minimum score is 0, indicating no suicidal ideation and the maximum score is 38, indicating the highest level of suicidal ideation. Higher scores indicate a greater severity of suicidal ideation, and thus, higher scores are generally associated with a worse outcome.
Measured: 12 months after the baseline assessment.
Suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior (Follow-up, t2)
The Suicidal Ideation and Behavior Scale (SSEV) is a German 9-item self-report instrument. Items 1-7 assess the frequency of suicidal ideation, suicidal intention, suicidal impulses, and suicide plan (0 = never to 5 = many times every day). A total value is calculated using items 1-7, where a value of 0-30 can result. Additionally, suicide attempts during the past four weeks and the occurrence of lifetime suicide attempts are assessed with a dichotomous response format (yes/ no) and it is asked about the frequency of lifetime suicide attempts. Higher scores indicate a more severe level of suicidal ideation, which is generally associated with a worse outcome.
Measured: 12 months after the baseline assessment.
Secondary outcomes (1)
Treatment costs of treatments 1
Number of inpatient, daypatient and outpatient treatments will be assessed by DEMO.
Measured: t0) Before the first ASSIP flex session, 1 week after informed consent procedure; t1) After the intervention, 4-6 weeks after t0; t2) up to 12 months after t0
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted20 Mar 2024
- Study start23 Sep 2022
- Primary completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (20)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Suicide, AttemptedStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of BernThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Case only
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 119 participants (actual)
- Target duration
- 12 Months
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Bern
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Anja C. Gysin-Maillart, PD, Principal investigator, Univerisity of Bern, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Translational Research CenterAdriana O. Frei, MSc, Study chair, University of Bern, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Translational Research Center
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06322199
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2021-02504 (Project 3)
- Acronym
- NePsyAssip HT
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 6 Mar 2024
- Last updated
- 23 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Peter, C. and A. Tuch, Suizidgedanken und Suizidversuche in der Schweizer Bevölkerung. Obsan Bulletin. Vol. 7. 2019, Nêuchatel. 2019.
Bostwick JM, Pabbati C, Geske JR, McKean AJ. Suicide Attempt as a Risk Factor for Completed Suicide: Even More Lethal Than We Knew. Am J Psychiatry. 2016 Nov 1;173(11):1094-1100. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2016.15070854. Epub 2016 Aug 13.
PubMed 27523496Ystgaard M, Arensman E, Hawton K, Madge N, van Heeringen K, Hewitt A, de Wilde EJ, De Leo D, Fekete S. Deliberate self-harm in adolescents: comparison between those who receive help following self-harm and those who do not. J Adolesc. 2009 Aug;32(4):875-91. doi: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2008.10.010. Epub 2008 Nov 22.
PubMed 19028399Klonsky ED, May A. Rethinking impulsivity in suicide. Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2010 Dec;40(6):612-9. doi: 10.1521/suli.2010.40.6.612.
PubMed 21198330Klonsky, E.D. and A.M. May, The three-step theory (3ST): A new theory of suicide rooted in the "ideation-to-action" framework. International Journal of Cognitive Therapy, 2015. 8(2): p. 114-129.
May, A.M. and E.D. Klonsky, What distinguishes suicide attempters from suicide ideators? A meta-analysis of potential factors. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 2016. 23(1): p. 5.
Lizardi D, Stanley B. Treatment engagement: a neglected aspect in the psychiatric care of suicidal patients. Psychiatr Serv. 2010 Dec;61(12):1183-91. doi: 10.1176/ps.2010.61.12.1183.
PubMed 21123401Sheehan DV, Lecrubier Y, Sheehan KH, Amorim P, Janavs J, Weiller E, Hergueta T, Baker R, Dunbar GC. The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.): the development and validation of a structured diagnostic psychiatric interview for DSM-IV and ICD-10. J Clin Psychiatry. 1998;59 Suppl 20:22-33;quiz 34-57.
PubMed 9881538Hautzinger, M., et al., Beck-depressions-inventar (BDI). Bearbeitung der deutschen Ausgabe. Testhandbuch. Bern: Huber, 1994.
Schwarzer, R. and M. Jerusalem, Skala zur allgemeinen Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung. 1999, Berlin: Freie Universität Berlin. 2013.
Hughes ME, Waite LJ, Hawkley LC, Cacioppo JT. A Short Scale for Measuring Loneliness in Large Surveys: Results From Two Population-Based Studies. Res Aging. 2004;26(6):655-672. doi: 10.1177/0164027504268574.
PubMed 18504506Hasler G, Klaghofer R, Buddeberg C. [The University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale (URICA)]. Psychother Psychosom Med Psychol. 2003 Sep-Oct;53(9-10):406-11. doi: 10.1055/s-2003-42172. German.
PubMed 14528410Gysin-Maillart, Michel, Conner, Westrin and Ehnvall (in progress).
Munder T, Wilmers F, Leonhart R, Linster HW, Barth J. Working Alliance Inventory-Short Revised (WAI-SR): psychometric properties in outpatients and inpatients. Clin Psychol Psychother. 2010 May-Jun;17(3):231-9. doi: 10.1002/cpp.658.
PubMed 20013760Russell D, Peplau LA, Cutrona CE. The revised UCLA Loneliness Scale: concurrent and discriminant validity evidence. J Pers Soc Psychol. 1980 Sep;39(3):472-80. doi: 10.1037//0022-3514.39.3.472.
PubMed 7431205
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 23 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Differences Between Suicide Attempters and Suicide Ideators. Influence of the Brief Therapy ASSIP on Neuropsychological Correlates and Psychological Process Factors (NePsyASSIP HT) - Project 3
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06322199
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- NePsyAssip HT / 2021-02504 (Project 3)
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 119 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of BernUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 23 Sep 2022 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 20 Mar 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The present study consists of 3 projects in total. It aims to investigate the (neuro-) psychological patterns from suicidal ideation to suicidal behavior as well as the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of ASSIP flex.
The overall aim of Project 3 is to evaluate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of ASSIP flex over a 12-month follow-up period in terms of suicide reattempts and suicide correlates in a cohort who is attending ASSIP flex after a suicide attempt.
Detailed description
Purpose and aims:
In project 3, the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of ASSIP flex setting over a 12-month follow-up period will be investigated. To investigate that, the present study examines the newly implemented ASSIP flex service developed and implemented at the University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Bern (Switzerland).
Background:
In Switzerland, approximately three people die by suicide every day, and suicide attempts exceed this number by far. As a previous suicide attempt is one of the strongest predictors of a completed suicide, it is of utmost importance to identify the people at risk. However, research has shown that traditional risk factors (e.g., depression, psychiatric disorder, etc.) reliably predict suicide ideation but poorly predict suicidal behavior. Furthermore, while effective suicide-specific interventions exist, up to 50% of the suicide attempters reject the recommended treatment, and around 60% discontinue treatment after one session. Hence, a different approach is required. In this study, three projects will be conducted. Project 3 evaluates the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of ASSIP flex.
Study design of Project 3:
The present study examines longitudinally and observationally the newly implemented ASSIP flex at the University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Bern (Switzerland) and four additional recruitment centers. Patients after a suicide attempt who are immobile and/or not able to participate in the regular ASSIP due to other reasons (e.g., shame or fear of stigmatization) are asked to participate in the ASSIP flex project. Moreover, the ASSIP flex will be implemented and investigated in four additional recruitment centers in Switzerland: 1) Sanatorium Kilchberg in Zurich; 2) Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich (PUKZH); 3) Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV); 4) Center Neuchâtelois de Psychiatrie (CNP).
All ASSIP flex patients who have agreed to participate in Project 3 (ASSIP flex) are asked to complete a baseline assessment (filling out questionnaires) before the first ASSIP flex session. This baseline assessment is conducted in the patient's environment (i.e., where the ASSIP flex sessions are carried out).
After the baseline assessment, the participants receive ASSIP flex in their personal environment, and after each ASSIP Flex session, process measurements (therapeutic alliance) are completed. Moreover, repeated measurements are conducted after four-six weeks and 12 months follow-up to assess long-term effects.
In project 3 of this study, no randomization took place, and all participants in this group received ASSIP flex.
To investigate the feasibility and effects of ASSIP flex, therapists will also be asked to complete some questionnaires. After the last flex session of each case, they are asked to fill out a brief questionnaire to rate their experiences with this ASSIP flex case. Finally, therapists are asked one year and two years after their ASSIP training to fill out a short questionnaire about their experiences with the ASSIP flex.
Study design
- Observational model
- Case only
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Target follow-up
- 12 Months
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- Participants with a past suicide attempt will be recruited at the University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Bern (Switzerland) and following recruitment centers: * Sanatorium Kilchberg Private Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy * Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich (PUKZH) * Vaud University Hospital (CHUV) in Lausanne * Department of General and Liaison Psychiatry CNP in Neuchâtel
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Informed consent as documented by signature
- Age ≥ 18 years
- At least one previous suicide attempt
- Willingness to attend the ASSIP Flex
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- The presence of any one of the following exclusion criteria will lead to exclusion of the subject:
- Serious cognitive impairment
- Any psychotic disorder
- Inability to follow the procedures of the study (e.g., insufficient mastery of the German language, previous enrolment into the current study)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| ASSIP (Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program) flexASSIP is a specific therapy for patients after a suicide attempt. The brief therapy ASSIP consists of 3-4 sessions of approximately 50 min. each. ASSIP flex delivers ASSIP in the patient's personal environment as an outreach home treatment. The structure of the ASSIP is the same as in the regular ASSIP, but the program is delivered in the patient's environment. Session 1: A narrative interview is conducted, in which the patient is asked to tell her personal story, which led to the suicidal crisis. The narrative is video-recorded. Session 2: Using video playback of the recorded narrative, patient and therapist explore further details of the suicidal process. Session 3: A case conceptualization focusing on the patient's vulnerability and the trigger of the suicidal crisis is formulated in writing. A list of safety strategies for the prevention of future suicidal behavior is developed jointly with the patient. Regular letters are sent to patients over a period of 2 years. | Behavioural | – |
Primary outcome
Suicidal ideation (Baseline, t0)
Time frame: One week before the first ASSIP flex session.
The Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSI) is a clinical assessment tool designed to measure the severity of suicidal ideation in individuals. It is used in clinical and research settings to assess the risk of suicide. The BSI consists of 19 items, and each item is scored on a 3-point scale (0 to 2). The total score, which ranges from 0 to 38, reflects the severity of suicidal ideation. The minimum score is 0, indicating no suicidal ideation and the maximum score is 38, indicating the highest level of suicidal ideation. Higher scores indicate a greater severity of suicidal ideation, and thus, higher scores are generally associated with a worse outcome.
Suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior (Baseline, t0)
Time frame: One week before the first ASSIP flex session.
The Suicidal Ideation and Behavior Scale (SSEV) is a German 9-item self-report instrument. Items 1-7 assess the frequency of suicidal ideation, suicidal intention, suicidal impulses, and suicide plan (0 = never to 5 = many times every day). A total value is calculated using items 1-7, where a value of 0-30 can result. Additionally, suicide attempts during the past four weeks and the occurrence of lifetime suicide attempts are assessed with a dichotomous response format (yes/ no) and it is asked about the frequency of lifetime suicide attempts. Higher scores indicate a more severe level of suicidal ideation, which is generally associated with a worse outcome.
Suicidal ideation (Follow-up, t1)
Time frame: After the three ASSIP flex sessions are completed, up to 4-6 weeks.
The Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSI) is a clinical assessment tool designed to measure the severity of suicidal ideation in individuals. It is used in clinical and research settings to assess the risk of suicide. The BSI consists of 19 items, and each item is scored on a 3-point scale (0 to 2). The total score, which ranges from 0 to 38, reflects the severity of suicidal ideation. The minimum score is 0, indicating no suicidal ideation and the maximum score is 38, indicating the highest level of suicidal ideation. Higher scores indicate a greater severity of suicidal ideation, and thus, higher scores are generally associated with a worse outcome.
Suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior (Follow-up, t1)
Time frame: After the three ASSIP flex sessions are completed, up to 4-6 weeks.
The Suicidal Ideation and Behavior Scale (SSEV) is a German 9-item self-report instrument. Items 1-7 assess the frequency of suicidal ideation, suicidal intention, suicidal impulses, and suicide plan (0 = never to 5 = many times every day). A total value is calculated using items 1-7, where a value of 0-30 can result. Additionally, suicide attempts during the past four weeks and the occurrence of lifetime suicide attempts are assessed with a dichotomous response format (yes/ no) and it is asked about the frequency of lifetime suicide attempts. Higher scores indicate a more severe level of suicidal ideation, which is generally associated with a worse outcome.
Suicidal ideation (Follow-up, t2)
Time frame: 12 months after the baseline assessment.
The Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSI) is a clinical assessment tool designed to measure the severity of suicidal ideation in individuals. It is used in clinical and research settings to assess the risk of suicide. The BSI consists of 19 items, and each item is scored on a 3-point scale (0 to 2). The total score, which ranges from 0 to 38, reflects the severity of suicidal ideation. The minimum score is 0, indicating no suicidal ideation and the maximum score is 38, indicating the highest level of suicidal ideation. Higher scores indicate a greater severity of suicidal ideation, and thus, higher scores are generally associated with a worse outcome.
Suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior (Follow-up, t2)
Time frame: 12 months after the baseline assessment.
The Suicidal Ideation and Behavior Scale (SSEV) is a German 9-item self-report instrument. Items 1-7 assess the frequency of suicidal ideation, suicidal intention, suicidal impulses, and suicide plan (0 = never to 5 = many times every day). A total value is calculated using items 1-7, where a value of 0-30 can result. Additionally, suicide attempts during the past four weeks and the occurrence of lifetime suicide attempts are assessed with a dichotomous response format (yes/ no) and it is asked about the frequency of lifetime suicide attempts. Higher scores indicate a more severe level of suicidal ideation, which is generally associated with a worse outcome.
1 secondary outcome
Treatment costs of treatments 1
Time frame: t0) Before the first ASSIP flex session, 1 week after informed consent procedure; t1) After the intervention, 4-6 weeks after t0; t2) up to 12 months after t0
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 23 Jan 2026.
- BackgroundPeter, C. and A. Tuch, Suizidgedanken und Suizidversuche in der Schweizer Bevölkerung. Obsan Bulletin. Vol. 7. 2019, Nêuchatel. 2019.
- Background: PubMed 27523496Bostwick JM, Pabbati C, Geske JR, McKean AJ. Suicide Attempt as a Risk Factor for Completed Suicide: Even More Lethal Than We Knew. Am J Psychiatry. 2016 Nov 1;173(11):1094-1100. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2016.15070854. Epub 2016 Aug 13.
- Background: PubMed 19028399Ystgaard M, Arensman E, Hawton K, Madge N, van Heeringen K, Hewitt A, de Wilde EJ, De Leo D, Fekete S. Deliberate self-harm in adolescents: comparison between those who receive help following self-harm and those who do not. J Adolesc. 2009 Aug;32(4):875-91. doi: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2008.10.010. Epub 2008 Nov 22.
- Background: PubMed 21198330Klonsky ED, May A. Rethinking impulsivity in suicide. Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2010 Dec;40(6):612-9. doi: 10.1521/suli.2010.40.6.612.
- BackgroundKlonsky, E.D. and A.M. May, The three-step theory (3ST): A new theory of suicide rooted in the "ideation-to-action" framework. International Journal of Cognitive Therapy, 2015. 8(2): p. 114-129.
- BackgroundMay, A.M. and E.D. Klonsky, What distinguishes suicide attempters from suicide ideators? A meta-analysis of potential factors. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 2016. 23(1): p. 5.
- Background: PubMed 21123401Lizardi D, Stanley B. Treatment engagement: a neglected aspect in the psychiatric care of suicidal patients. Psychiatr Serv. 2010 Dec;61(12):1183-91. doi: 10.1176/ps.2010.61.12.1183.
- Background: PubMed 9881538Sheehan DV, Lecrubier Y, Sheehan KH, Amorim P, Janavs J, Weiller E, Hergueta T, Baker R, Dunbar GC. The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.): the development and validation of a structured diagnostic psychiatric interview for DSM-IV and ICD-10. J Clin Psychiatry. 1998;59 Suppl 20:22-33;quiz 34-57.
- BackgroundHautzinger, M., et al., Beck-depressions-inventar (BDI). Bearbeitung der deutschen Ausgabe. Testhandbuch. Bern: Huber, 1994.
- BackgroundSchwarzer, R. and M. Jerusalem, Skala zur allgemeinen Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung. 1999, Berlin: Freie Universität Berlin. 2013.
- Background: PubMed 18504506Hughes ME, Waite LJ, Hawkley LC, Cacioppo JT. A Short Scale for Measuring Loneliness in Large Surveys: Results From Two Population-Based Studies. Res Aging. 2004;26(6):655-672. doi: 10.1177/0164027504268574.
- Background: PubMed 14528410Hasler G, Klaghofer R, Buddeberg C. [The University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale (URICA)]. Psychother Psychosom Med Psychol. 2003 Sep-Oct;53(9-10):406-11. doi: 10.1055/s-2003-42172. German.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Suicide Preventive Psychosocial Treatment for Youths
Suicide Attempt, Suicidal and Self-injurious Behavior
Recruiting
Evaluation of a Multi-Layered Digital Phenotyping, Digital Safety Plan, and Pharmacogenomic Intervention for Suicide Prevention in Adults With Depression
Depressive Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Suicidal Ideation
Not yet recruiting
THRIVE: A Recovery-Focused Suicide Prevention Intervention in Crisis Stabilization Centers
Suicide
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Anja C. Gysin-Maillart, PD principal investigator
Univerisity of Bern, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Translational Research Center
Adriana O. Frei, MSc study chair
University of Bern, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Translational Research Center
4 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Suicide, Attempted and Suicidal Ideation, run by University of Bern at 4 sites in Switzerland.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 23 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 4 sites in Switzerland. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Suicidal ideation (Baseline, t0) (time frame: One week before the first ASSIP flex session.). The study lists 6 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06322199, which also lists 20 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 23 Jan 2026.