Experimental Testing of a Short Model of Integrative Psychotherapeutic Intervention to Reduce Suicidal Behavior and Ideation in Depressed Patients Admitted to the Psychiatric Ward

Abstract

This study investigates the efficacy of a short-term integrative psychotherapeutic intervention designed to reduce suicidal behavior and ideation in depressed patients admitted to a psychiatric ward. Suicidal risk, influenced by mental health disorders, personal crises, social isolation, substance abuse, and trauma, is typically treated with pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. The study focuses on combining various psychotherapeutic techniques including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) into a cohesive intervention program.

The intervention, delivered over four weeks, included six modules encompassing psychoeducation, behavioral activation, cognitive restructuring, mindfulness practices, and personal development strategies. Participants were divided into an experimental group receiving both the psychotherapeutic intervention and medication and a control group receiving only medication.

The study measured changes in hopelessness and depression using the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and the DASS-21R depression scale. The study concludes that integrative psychotherapeutic intervention significantly improves psychological outcomes for depressed patients at risk of suicide, offering a viable complement to pharmacological treatments. These findings support the potential of combining cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness techniques for the holistic management of depression and suicidal ideation in clinical settings.

Results indicated significant reductions in hopelessness and depression among the experimental group. Specifically, the BHS and MADRS scores showed substantial decreases post-intervention, highlighting the immediate efficacy of the integrated psychotherapeutic approach. However, the DASS-21R results did not demonstrate statistically significant differences.