@article{ref1,
title="Evaluating potential iatrogenic effects of a suicide-focused research protocol",
journal="Crisis",
year="2021",
author="Schatten, Heather T. and Allen, Kenneth J. D. and Carl, Emily C. and Miller, Ivan W. 3rd and Armey, Michael F.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Concerns regarding the potential iatrogenic effects of suicide assessment have long impeded suicide research. Aims: We sought to examine the effects of an intensive, suicide-focused assessment protocol on mood, suicidality, and urges to harm oneself or others. <br><br>METHOD: Participants were adults admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit for recent suicidal ideation or behavior, or reasons unrelated to suicide. Our study protocol included clinical interviews evaluating suicide history and laboratory tasks with suicide-related stimuli. We modified an existing measure to create a brief, 6-item interview, the Assessment Session Check-In, which was administered before and after research procedures. <br><br>RESULTS: These indicated overall reductions in distress, suicidal intent, and urges to harm oneself or others from preassessment to postassessment. Postassessment reductions in stress predicted lower likelihood of a suicide attempt at follow-up. Limitations: Although beneficial to examine a high-risk sample, it is possible that an intensive suicide-focused protocol could prove more problematic for those with lower baseline levels of negative affect and suicidal thoughts. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Results challenge the belief that assessing suicide elevates distress or suicidality, even among a high-risk sample of adults admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0227-5910",
doi="10.1027/0227-5910/a000823",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1027/0227-5910/a000823"
}