Cognitive Anxiety Sensitivity Treatment for Suicide

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness and usability of a computer-based treatment for mood and anxiety relevant risk factors. The target of the treatment is related to cognitive stress, which has been shown to be associated with several negative mental health outcomes such as suicidal ideation, substance use disorders, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Detailed Description
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CAST is a newly developed computerized treatment targeting specific risk factors associated with PTSD, substance use, anxiety, and suicide. Eligible individuals will be randomized to one of two conditions. In both conditions, participants will complete various self-report questionnaires and a computerized presentation. Additionally, all participants will be asked to complete a one month follow-up appointment.

Official Title
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Development and Evaluation of a Brief, Suicide Prevention Intervention Reducing Anxiety Sensitivity

Conditions
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Anxiety

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Anxiety Risk Reduction


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: At or above the community sample mean on the ASI English speakers 18 years of age or older Exclusion Criteria: Significant medical illness Current substance dependence Current or past psychotic-spectrum disorders Uncontrolled bipolar disorder Serious suicidal intent that warranted immediate medical treatment

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| No Intervention: Physical Health Training<br>The Physical Health Training condition will include information on the importance and benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, the program will discuss guidelines for a healthy lifestyle including information on diet, water consumption, exercise, and sleep. | |
| Experimental: Anxiety Risk Reduction<br>The anxiety risk reduction intervention will include psychoeducation focused on the nature of stress and its effect on the body. Interoceptive exposure exercises that were designed to correct the conditioned fear of bodily sensations will be explained and practiced. | Behavioral: Anxiety Risk Reduction<br>* Involves psychoeducation and interoceptive exposure exercises<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI) | The ASI is a 16-item self-report measure of anxiety sensitivity. Each item consists of a possible negative consequence of anxiety symptoms. The scale assesses three AS subfactors including cognitive, physical, and social concerns. The measure has shown good psychometric properties. | Month one follow-up | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Beck Suicide Scale (BSS) | The BSS is a 21-item widely used self-report measure assessing a broad spectrum of behaviors and attitudes related to suicide risk, including suicidal ideation and past suicide attempts. It has demonstrated strong reliability and validity. | Month one follow-up |