Targeting Emotion Dysregulation to Reduce Suicide in People With Psychosis

Targeting Emotion Dysregulation to Reduce Suicide in People With Psychosis

People with psychotic disorders are excluded from most suicide-focused clinical trials despite incredibly high rates of completed suicide, and interventions that have been tested for this population have shown limited impact on suicide. Emotion dysregulation is a significant suicidogenic factor that is understudied in people with psychotic disorders. The investigators propose to implement and evaluate an intervention targeting emotion dysregulation in people with psychotic disorders while employing rigorous statistical modeling and measurement techniques including Ecological Momentary Assessment, which will support future advanced research on suicide and suicide prevention for this high-risk group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• At least 18 years old
• Psychosis spectrum disorder as assessed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) for Psychotic Disorder Studies
• Heightened suicide risk as determined by a score of 8+ on the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R). This cutoff may be revised downwards (toward lower suicide risk) if recruitment appears difficult, but will not be revised upwards.
• Enrollment and engagement in outpatient mental health services with at least one mental health service in the previous month
• 6+ grade equivalent reading level as assessed by the Wide Range Achievement Test 4 (WRAT-4)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Chart diagnosis of intellectual disability (DSM5 317, 318), traumatic brain injury, or deafness.