TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2009//
TI  - Study protocol: the development of a randomised controlled trial testing a postcard intervention designed to reduce suicide risk among young help-seekers
JO  - BMC psychiatry
A1  - Robinson, Jeff
A1  - Hetrick, Sarah
A1  - Gook, Sara
A1  - Cosgrave, Elizabeth
A1  - Yuen, Hok Pan
A1  - McGorry, P. D.
A1  - Yung, Alison
SP  - 59
EP  - 59
VL  - 9
IS  - 1
N2  - 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>
LA  - en
SN  - 1471-244X
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-9-59
ID  - ref1
ER  -