@article{ref1,
title="Study protocol: the development of a randomised controlled trial testing a postcard intervention designed to reduce suicide risk among young help-seekers",
journal="BMC psychiatry",
year="2009",
author="Robinson, Jeff and Hetrick, Sarah and Gook, Sara and Cosgrave, Elizabeth and Yuen, Hok Pan and McGorry, P. D. and Yung, Alison",
volume="9",
number="1",
pages="59-59",
abstract="ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Suicidal behaviour and deliberate self harm are common among adolescents. Limited evidence exists regarding interventions that can reduce risk; however research indicates that maintaining contact either via letter or postcard with at-risk adults following discharge from services can reduce risk. The aim of the study is to test a postcard intervention among people aged 15-24 who presented to mental health services but are not accepted, yet are at risk of suicide. Methods/design: The study is a 3-year randomised controlled trial conducted at Orygen Youth Health Research Centre in Melbourne Australia. Participants are young help-seekers aged 15-24 who are at risk of suicide. Participants will be recruited over a 12 month period. The intervention comprises a regular postcard to be sent monthly for 12 months. The postcard enquires after their well being and includes information regarding individual sources of help and evidence-based self help strategies. Participants are assessed at baseline, 12 and 18 months. DISCUSSION: This paper describes the development of a study which aims to reduce suicide risk in a sample of young help-seekers. If effective, this intervention could have significant clinical and research implications for a population who can be hard to treat and difficult to research. <p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1471-244X",
doi="10.1186/1471-244X-9-59",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-9-59"
}