RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Integrated Suicide & Trauma Therapy for Suicide Risk

This study is testing a new type of talking therapy called Integrated Suicide and Trauma Therapy (ISTT). It's for adults who have thought about suicide and have also experienced difficult things in their childhood. The therapy combines ways to help people cope better with thoughts of suicide with treatment for the effects of past trauma. The main goal is to see if 12 weeks of ISTT can lower the risk of suicide for these individuals. Researchers hope this new approach can help more people stay safe and well, especially when current treatments haven't fully met their needs.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Unity Health Toronto

Enrolment target

Start

08 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2027

Suicide Trauma Major Depressive Disorder

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a new type of talking therapy called Integrated Suicide and Trauma Therapy, or ISTT for short. It's designed for adults who have experienced difficulties in their childhood, such as emotional neglect or abuse, and are currently having thoughts about suicide. Researchers know that childhood trauma can make people more likely to think about suicide, and they want to find better ways to help.

The ISTT therapy brings together two important ideas. Firstly, it teaches people valuable skills to cope when they're feeling suicidal. This helps them manage difficult thoughts and feelings. Secondly, it includes therapy to address the lasting effects of childhood trauma. The idea is that by tackling both the current thoughts of suicide and the impact of past experiences, people can get more complete support.

This is a 'pilot' study, which means it's one of the first times this therapy is being tested. The main goal is to see if 12 weeks of ISTT can make a positive difference in reducing the risk of suicide for people with a history of childhood trauma and current suicidal thoughts. Researchers hope that if this pilot study is successful, it could lead to this therapy being available to more people in the future.

Key takeaways

This study tests a new talking therapy for adults.
It's for people who've thought about suicide and had childhood trauma.
The therapy combines coping skills with trauma support.
It lasts for 12 weeks.
The goal is to reduce the risk of suicide.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 and over. To join, you would need to have had thoughts of suicide and experienced some form of trauma during your childhood, such as emotional neglect or abuse. You would also need to be able to give your clear agreement to take part and understand the therapy, which would be delivered in English. It's important that you aren't currently having other talking therapy at the same time.

There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join the study. For example, if you have any memory or thinking problems that would make it hard to understand or agree to the therapy, or if you are currently experiencing severe mental health symptoms like hallucinations or delusions, you wouldn't be able to take part. Also if you are unable or unwilling to give your consent, you wouldn't be able to join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you had thoughts about suicide?
Have you experienced difficult things in your childhood (like abuse or neglect)?
Are you able to speak and understand English well enough for therapy?
Are you currently NOT having other talking therapy?
Do you feel able to understand and agree to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would receive 12 weeks of the new Integrated Suicide and Trauma Therapy (ISTT). This is a talking therapy, so there are no medications involved. You would attend regular therapy sessions over this 12-week period. During this time, you would also likely complete some questionnaires or have discussions to help the researchers understand how the therapy is helping you.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in any study has potential benefits and risks. A potential benefit of this study is receiving a new therapy specifically designed to help people who have thought about suicide and experienced childhood trauma. This might help you develop new coping skills and process past experiences, potentially reducing your risk of suicide. As with any therapy that explores difficult topics, there's a possibility of feeling emotional or distressed at times. The study team will be there to support you through this. Remember, taking part is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

St. Michael's Hospital
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is childhood trauma?

Childhood trauma refers to very upsetting or difficult experiences in childhood, like emotional neglect, physical or sexual abuse, that can have lasting effects.

What does 'suicide risk' mean?

Suicide risk means having thoughts about suicide or being in a situation where you might be more likely to harm yourself.

Is this therapy a pill?

No, this is a talking therapy, meaning you'll have sessions with a therapist to work through thoughts and feelings, not take medication.

How long does the therapy last?

The therapy part of this study lasts for 12 weeks.

Can I stop if I don't like it?

Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Sakina Rizvi, PhD,MACP,RP

rizvisa@smh.ca 416-864-6060 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.